Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, and Zimbabwe is no exception. At Bertha’s Place, an organization dedicated to empowering GBV survivors in Zimbabwe, we see firsthand the devastating impact this issue has on women and girls. Despite progress in women’s rights advocacy, 2025 begins with sobering challenges and an urgent call for action to address the root causes of GBV, educate communities and provide safe spaces for survivors.
The Growing Cases of GBV: A National Crisis
Zimbabwe has witnessed a concerning rise in reported GBV cases in recent years. Statistics reveal an alarming prevalence of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, child marriages and physical abuse. Approximately 39.4% of women have been subjected to physical violence, and an estimated 11.6% have faced sexual violence, according to the World Bank. Yet, these figures only scratch the surface, as many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation and cultural norms that discourage women from speaking out.
One of the most troubling issues is the lack of comprehensive understanding of what GBV entails. GBV extends beyond physical violence to include emotional, economicand psychological abuse. Many in our society still view GBV narrowly, focusing only on overt physical harm. This limited perception leaves countless survivors without recognition or support.
Challenging the Language Around GBV
The language used when describing GBV survivors often perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Too often, survivors are referred to as “victims,” a term that, while accurate in some contexts, risks reinforcing a narrative of helplessness. At Bertha’s Place, we advocate for the use of empowering language that highlights the resilience and agency of survivors. Calling them "survivors" emphasizes their strength in overcoming adversity and signals hope for healing and justice.
Additionally, the language used in media and public discourse often shifts the blame onto survivors rather than focusing on the perpetrators. Phrases such as “she was dressed provocatively” or “she was out late at night” subtly normalize violence and place undue responsibility on women for the actions of their abusers. This harmful rhetoric must be dismantled through education and advocacy.
Issues of Consent and Cultural Norms
Consent remains a misunderstood concept in many Zimbabwean communities. Deeply entrenched patriarchal norms perpetuate the idea that women’s bodies are commodities to be controlled by men. Conversations about consent are either ignored or misrepresented, leading to widespread violations.
For instance, marital rape is still not widely recognized as a crime, despite being prohibited by law. Many believe that once a woman is married, her consent is automatically assumed. Similarly, young girls are coerced into child marriages under the guise of tradition, robbing them of their agency and subjecting them to lifelong cycles of abuse.
Educating communities about the meaning and importance of consent is crucial in combating GBV. Every individual has the right to autonomy over their body, and this principle must be upheld in both personal relationships and societal norms.
The Rising Threat of Online Abuse
The digital age has ushered in new forms of GBV, with online abuse becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in Zimbabwe. Women face harassment, cyberbullying and threats on social media platforms. This abuse often goes unchecked due to weak enforcement of cybercrime laws and limited understanding of the psychological harm caused by online violence.
The anonymity of the internet emboldens perpetrators, making it harder for survivors to seek justice. At Bertha’s Place, we believe that addressing online GBV requires a multi-faceted approach, including stronger legislation, community awareness campaigns and partnerships with technology companies to hold perpetrators accountable.
GBV in Public Spaces: Abuse by Touts and Street Harassment
Public spaces in Zimbabwe are not safe for many women. Bus ranks and commuter taxi stations have become hotspots for GBV, with touts (commuter taxi marshals) frequently harassing women through catcalling, groping and verbal abuse. Such acts are often dismissed as “harmless jokes” or normalized as part of daily life, leaving women feeling unsafe and powerless.
These behaviors reinforce a culture of impunity and perpetuate the belief that women do not deserve respect in public spaces. As we move forward, there is an urgent need for policies and community-driven initiatives to address harassment in public areas and create safer environments for all.
The Way Forward: Strengthening Activism in 2025
At Bertha’s Place, we envision 2025 as a year of transformative activism and systemic change. Here are our hopes and plans:
Community Education Campaigns
We aim to launch widespread campaigns to educate communities about the different forms of GBV, the importance of consent and the need to challenge harmful cultural norms.
Empowering Survivors
Our focus will remain on creating safe spaces where survivors can share their stories, access counseling and rebuild their lives. Empowering survivors to become advocates will also amplify their voices and inspire others to speak out.
Advocating for Policy Reform
Stronger legislation is needed to address emerging forms of GBV, such as online abuse and street harassment. We will continue to work with policymakers to ensure that survivors’ rights are protected and perpetrators are held accountable.
Strengthening Support Networks
Collaborating with other organizations and institutions will help create a united front against GBV. By working together, we can amplify our impact and reach more survivors.
Engaging Men and Boys
Men and boys must be active participants in the fight against GBV. Through workshops and dialogue, we hope to challenge toxic masculinity and promote healthy, respectful relationships.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on the state of women’s rights in relation to GBV in Zimbabwe, it is clear that much work remains to be done. The growing cases of violence, coupled with societal misunderstandings and systemic barriers, require urgent and sustained action.
We call on everyone—government officials, civil society, community leaders, and individuals—to join us in this fight. Together, we can build a Zimbabwe where women and girls are free from violence, empowered to live fulfilling lives, and celebrated as equal members of society.
At Bertha’s Legacy and Bertha's Place, our resolve is unshaken. We believe that 2025 can be the turning point for GBV activism in Zimbabwe. Let us stand together and make it a reality.
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