Zimbabwe Showcases GBV Support Strategies at UN

Everisto Zhuwao

Zimbabwe successfully hosted a high-level side event at the ongoing 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York on Monday, 16 March 2026. The session focused on strengthening justice services for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly those living in hard-to-reach areas.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, led the Zimbabwean delegation. The team included the President of the Senate, Honourable Mabel Chinomona, and senior officials from the Office of the President and Cabinet. Representatives from Uganda, Ghana, and UN Women also attended the event to discuss best practices for protecting vulnerable women and girls.

The discussions highlighted Zimbabwe’s use of victim-friendly units within the police and specialised courts designed to protect survivors. Participants addressed the specific challenges faced by rural communities, such as long distances to police stations and social barriers to reporting crimes.

To bridge these gaps, the delegation explored the use of mobile services and stronger partnerships with local leaders. The session concluded with a commitment to faster case handling and better coordination between health, legal, and social services to ensure survivors receive respectful and efficient justice.