By Leonnel Mhuka
Today marks the beginning of United Nations’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a critical campaign running from November 25 (International Day of No Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). This initiative aims to shine a light on the widespread and multifaceted issue of violence against women and girls, while also emphasizing collective action to empower survivors and eliminate violence altogether.
This year, the campaign calls upon government leaders, organizations, and individuals to unite in the fight against gender-based violence, fostering a safer and more equal society for all.
Gender-based violence (GBV) goes beyond physical harm. It includes emotional, psychological, and economic abuse, all of which create significant barriers to education, employment and overall well-being. Mrs. Moreblessing Nyambara, former Gender and Social Welfare Secretary of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, pointed out this in her powerful remarks speaking to Change Radio news ealier today.
“Violence is not just physical,” she explained, “it is also emotional, psychological and actually economical. It permeates all aspects of life, creating barriers to education, employment and overall well-being. It is vital for us to understand that gender-based violence is a violation of human rights and a public health crisis that demands our immediate attention and collective action.”
These words remind the society that gender-based violence affects not only individual survivors but also entire communities, leaving lasting scars on societal development and cohesion.
Mrs. Nyambara said that tackling GBV cannot be left to government leaders, NGOs, or activists alone. She passionately argued for a united approach.
“Our theme this year emphasizes the agency for collective action. It is not enough for government leaders, NGOs, and us activists to work in silos. We must unite our voices, our resources and our dedication to confront this phenomenon head-on.”
Her call to action serves as a reminder that meaningful change requires collaboration at all levels —within families, communities and institutions.
Moreblessing Nyambara also shared her personal experiences, observing the transformative power of activism:
“I have witnessed firsthand the impact of activism. I have seen individuals and communities come together, challenge societal norms, and drive change. Together, we can create environments that foster dialogue and understanding, not just during these 16 days, but every single day of this year.”
Her insight promotes the importance of sustained efforts to challenge harmful norms and attitudes. Advocacy should not be limited to the duration of the campaign; it must become an ongoing commitment to building a culture of respect, equality, and safety.
In her address, Nyambara urged everyone to take an active role in the campaign, providing practical suggestions on how to contribute:
“Advocacy can take many forms, whether it’s through conversations in our homes especially in our homes. It’s very, very vital that we continue to educate each other from our homes and our communities. Remember, change starts with each of us.”
These simple yet profound actions speaking out against injustice, supporting survivors and educating those around us can make a significant difference. They serve as a reminder that combating gender-based violence begins at the grassroots level and requires everyone’s participation.
As communities embark on this crucial campaign, it is vital to carry the spirit of activism beyond December 10. Moreblessing concluded her address with a powerful message of hope and solidarity:
“Let us carry this spirit of solidarity and empowerment forward. Let our actions ignite awareness and fuel the movement towards a society where every woman, girl and boy can live free from fear and violence.”
Her words are a rallying cry for all Zimbabweans to commit to creating a future where gender-based violence is a relic of the past.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign marks the beginning of a lot of work that still needs to be done to end gender-based violence. As Mrs. Nyambara aptly stated,
“This campaign is not just a series of events marked on our calendars. It is a clarion call to action, a plea for justice and commitment to make gender-based violence a thing of the past.”
