Violence against women a major concern-UN

The day was locally on 8 March under the theme, “Peace begins with me: Peace begins with you: Peace begins with Us All: Act now to end violence against women and girls.”

It is estimated that up to seven in every 10 women globally are beaten, raped, abused, or mutilated in their lifetimes and most of this violence takes place in intimate relationships.

“Violence against women and girls is a gross human rights violation that fractures families and communities and hampers development. “It has enormous social, economic and productivity costs for individuals, families, communities and societies,” Noudehou said.

He however commended Zimbabwe for taking steps in fighting violence against women through the 4P’s campaign-“Prevention, Protection, Participation, Programs”– which was informed by the Africa Unite to End Violence against Women Campaign, the regional component of the UN Secretary General’s global UNiTE campaign.

“ Women in Zimbabwe are under-represented in political decision-making, with their numbers in Parliament, for example, far below the African Union and SADC target of 50 percent women in decision-making,” he said in the statement.

Noudehou noted that women were also disadvantaged in terms of health with the maternal mortality ratio high at 960 per 100,000 live births.

According to the 2011 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 1 in 4 women reported that they had experienced sexual violence, and 1 in 3 women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence since the age 15.

“If violence against women and girls is interpreted in economic terms, according to a 2009 study by the Swedish International Development Agency, the aggregate cost in Zimbabwe was estimated at US$2 billion,” read the statement by Noudehou.