Empowering Adolescent Girls Amid the Rise of Drug Abuse and GBV in Zimbabwe

By Nyasha B. Dube

It is becoming painfully common in Zimbabwean communities to hear stories of young girls whose lives have been irreversibly altered by gender-based violence (GBV), stories too familiar, too heartbreaking and too often blamed on the victims themselves. Today, the link between increasing drug and substance abuse and these violations cannot be ignored. Our daughters, nieces and sisters are being trapped in a cycle of vulnerability, exploitation and silence.

In recent years, Zimbabwe has seen a worrying rise in drug and substance abuse, particularly among youth. From mutoriro (crystal meth) to cough syrup and broncleer, the availability and abuse of these substances have created dangerous environments, especially for adolescent girls. At “groove,” parties and even small neighborhood hangouts, girls are often exposed to drugs without their knowledge, slipped into their drinks, disguised as “fun,” or forced upon them by peers or predators.

The trauma that follows is profound. Many survivors find themselves waking up in unfamiliar places, disoriented and violated, with no memory of what happened. In the aftermath, blame, shame and fear often prevent them from seeking help. Society, rather than offering protection and compassion, too frequently silences them.

The Psychological Wounds

GBV leaves deep emotional and psychological scars. Survivors often suffer from post-traumatic stress, depression and substance dependence, cycles that reinforce their isolation. In a trauma-responsive approach, we must recognize that healing is a journey. Survivors need more than just counseling sessions; they need empathy, community and tangible support systems that understand their lived experience.

Bertha’s Legacy recognizes that trauma does not heal in isolation. Community-based programs that incorporate peer support, mental health education and mentorship can help girls rebuild confidence and agency.

Why Adolescent Girls Are at Greater Risk

Adolescent girls face unique vulnerabilities rooted in power imbalances and cultural expectations. Many have limited autonomy over their social or sexual lives, and when drugs enter the equation, their ability to consent or protect themselves is completely stripped away. Some are pressured by peers to join the social scene, others see parties as their only escape from economic hardship.

What Can Be Done?

1. Comprehensive Education and Awareness

   We must start by speaking openly  in schools, churches and homes about the realities of drug use and sexual violence. Honest, age-appropriate conversations about consent, safety and respect must become part of everyday dialogue. Awareness campaigns should not only target girls but also boys and men, encouraging accountability and empathy.

   
   

2. Community Accountability

   Communities need to stop turning a blind eye. Local leaders, elders and parents must create safer environments where young people can socialize without fear. This includes monitoring party spaces, reporting suspected traffickers and drug dealers, and refusing to normalize harmful behavior.

   
   

3. Safe Spaces for Girls

   Establishing and promoting safe recreational activities like youth clubs, art spaces, mentorship programs  can redirect energy away from harmful environments. As organisations we can build trauma-informed centers where girls can receive counseling, legal advice and life skills training.

   
   

4. Trauma-Responsive Support Services

   A trauma-responsive approach recognizes that healing isn’t linear. Counselors, social workers and community members must be trained to respond compassionately, avoiding victim-blaming and focusing on restoring dignity. Partnering with mental health practitioners and survivor networks ensures that girls are supported holistically.

   
   

5. Policy and Law Enforcement

   Government and law enforcement agencies must tighten the enforcement of drug-related laws and strengthen GBV response systems. Perpetrators often go unpunished due to weak investigations or survivor intimidation. Justice delayed is justice denied.

   
   

The Path Forward

As Zimbabwe grapples with economic pressures and social change, addressing GBV linked to drug abuse demands collective action. It begins with listening, truly listening, to survivors. It continues with compassion-driven programs that create resilience rather than fear.

At Bertha’s Legacy, we believe every survivor has a story worth hearing, a voice worth amplifying and a future worth protecting. Let’s reimagine a society where no girl’s body is drugged or violated for someone else’s pleasure, where safety, dignity and hope are not privileges, but rights.

If you or someone you know needs support, Bertha’s Legacy provides confidential assistance, counseling and referral services for survivors of GBV in Zimbabwe and the UK. Reach out. You are not alone.