Amplifying the Call to Eradicate Gender-Based Violence in Zimbabwe

The Economic Justice for Women Project Zimbabwe (EJWP) has initiated a bold campaign addressing gender-based violence (GBV) within mining communities. This effort coincides with the 16 Days of Activism against GBV.

The campaign, supported by organizations including the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust and Female Students Network, targets economic, physical, and emotional violence. Its theme urges collective efforts to empower women and ensure their voices are heard.

EJWP director Margaret Mutsamvi highlighted alarming patterns of GBV in mining areas. Women in these regions face exclusion from employment, economic dependency, and normalized forms of abuse.

Mining companies often prioritize male employees, perpetuating stereotypes that equate mining with physical strength. This exclusion leaves women economically dependent on men, increasing their vulnerability to domestic abuse.

Additionally, the heavy water consumption of mining operations strains local resources. Women must travel long distances or wait in queues for water, exposing them to risks such as assault or exploitation.

Women employed by mining firms report sexual harassment and poor conditions. Requests for sexual favors and exploitative workloads are common among desperate job seekers in these communities.

Single mothers in these areas often turn to informal sectors like artisanal mining or vending for survival. These activities, while vital, expose them to significant risks, including harassment and legal threats.

Housing conditions in mining communities reflect neglect. Dilapidated accommodations and a lack of community reinvestment highlight the absence of corporate responsibility, deepening the socioeconomic divide.

Healthcare infrastructure is similarly inadequate. Poor access to medical care exacerbates the challenges women face, leaving them vulnerable to long-term health issues.

Child marriages are rising due to economic hardship. Families often prioritize boys’ education, pushing girls into early unions to reduce household burdens and secure basic provisions.

Mutsamvi emphasized the critical need for policies obligating mining companies to support local communities. Without such measures, women and girls in these regions will remain trapped in cycles of poverty and abuse.

This campaign shines a spotlight on the urgent need for societal and institutional reforms. Addressing GBV and its economic roots is essential for a more equitable future for women and girls in Zimbabwe.

The Zim Bulletin