Key Findings • • • • • • Gender-based violence remains a contentious issue in Zimbabwe and a major area of resistance to change where girls and women’s rights are concerned, for example child marriages. Gender-based violence is often considered a private matter since it mostly takes place in the home and it becomes difficult to gather information about it. The project has, however, helped bring domestic violence to the fore, resulting in increased domestic violence reports. Socio-cultural barriers: Socio-cultural barriers prevent GBV survivors from accessing help and services in their communities. Women are expected to seek help from family or religious leaders who often focus on resolving GBV issues privately and would try to hide the problems from the public. This may include women’s lack of knowledge of their basic rights and where to get help in cases of violence. Multi-sectoral approach: The partners have used a multi-sectoral approach in the project to the benefit of GBV survivors. Working with the government and other stakeholders has enabled the players to contribute in a multi-disciplinary manner. As a united team, the project proved that there is strength in numbers. Community dialogues: Engagement of stakeholders, including traditional leaders is very important as they understand the challenges faced by the communities. The community leaders and traditional leaders became part of the process of coming up with solutions and they are part of the process of enforcing laws and norms that protect women and girls from GBV. Empowerment circles: These were established to develop social and economic projects to help out women and out of school girls, to reduce child marriages in addition to providing opportunities that encourage self-reliance and empowerment. They became a source of strength for women and girls. Lessons learnt, and recommendations The study focused on the progress made but lessons learnt and recommendations for responding better to the needs of GBV survivors, will further enhance work on dealing with GBV. Below is a brief summary of the lessons learnt, and key recommendations. Establish more safe shelters There is need to establish more safe shelters in the three districts and comprehensive service provision linked to the One Stop Centre or the model where the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development coordinates the work of different stakeholders as was employed by the project.