Swift in handling GBV cases
There is need for players outlined in the Protocol on the Multi-Sectoral Management of
Sexual Abuse and Violence in Zimbabwe (2012) by the Judicial Services of Zimbabwe to be
swift in handling sexual abuse and violence matters to ensure justice for GBV survivors.
There is need for continuous support of Victim Friendly Systems so that challenges facing
GBV survivors are dealt with.
Engagement of traditional leaders
Continuous engagement of traditional leadership structures on child marriages is necessary
to reduce sexual violence against women and girls. The traditional leaders can become
change agents once they are involved in the projects to end GBV.
Working in partnerships
The project demonstrated the results of working in partnerships. The project’s partnership
approach was founded on co-operation and collaboration between all the relevant service
providers. The involvement of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community
Development, was fundamental to the coordination of the partnership and ensuring smooth
implementation of the project, including through community and stakeholder mobilisation.
Community Focal Persons Approach
One key success aspect of the project was the involvement of trained community
volunteers known as Community Focal Persons (CFPs) in reaching out to communities with
legal information and empowering other community members, including survivors of GBV,
on services available. This resulted in increased access to justice, improved knowledge of
the law and rights of GBV survivors as well as engagement at community level.
Communities eager to develop their areas
Communities are eager to participate in issues that affect their development. This is more
so when projects involve their traditional leaders and the relevant government departments.
This ensures sustainability.