5.6. Gender Based Violence Zimbabwe recognises that gender based violence, in particular violence against women, constitutes one of the biggest obstacles to women’s participation in decision-making and severely limits their ability to participate in economic and social activities. Yet efforts to eliminate GBV are likely to continue to yield limited results due to a number of problems key of which are inadequate services and weak institutions for addressing GBV, poor information communication systems and patriarchal attitude that restrain men from reporting incidences of abuse. It is imperative to ground all efforts to reduce GBV on policy provisions particularly that aim to institute strong institutions and information and communication systems and to shift attitudes on GBV. Policy Objective: To reduce all forms of Gender Based Violence in Zimbabwe Policy Strategies i. Create a supportive a policy and programmatic environment for non-tolerance to all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) ii. Implement programmes aimed at eradicating all harmful social norms, religious and cultural beliefs, attitudes and practices that legitimize the acceptance of GBV at all levels iii. Advocate for, and support initiatives to strengthen institutional mechanisms among multisectoral stakeholders (police stations, safe houses, courts, community leadership and other community structures) to create an enabling, safe and non-intimidating environment for provision of all services for GBV including services for care and support of GBV survivors and correctional and rehabilitation services of GBV perpetrators iv. Institute mechanisms for conducting gender safety audits and gender responsive evidence based research and documentation on all forms of Gender Based Violence v. Strengthen institutional and coordination mechanisms for addressing gender based violence at all levels including increased financing towards awareness activities vi. Promote the integration of GBV issues in the educational curriculum at all levels. vii. Encourage open platforms for GBV discussions particularly men’s forms, establish collaborative initiatives to eliminate the attitudes restraining men and women from openly discussing and reporting GBV. 18