Harare, (New Ziana) -Stakeholders in Zimbabwe convened on Monday to discuss the ongoing crafting of an African Union (AU) convention aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and girls.
The meeting, funded by the Rozaria Memorial Trust, sought to harness collective expertise and grassroots experiences to inform a convention that resonates with African communities and addresses the unique challenges they face concerning gender-based violence (GBV).
“The AU is currently in the process of drafting this landmark convention representing a very significant step in our collective effort to combat Gender Based Violence across the continent,” said Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises permanent Secretary Mavis Sibanda.
The initiative for the convention arose from a shared recognition of the urgent need to tackle various forms of GBV, which persists at alarming rates in many African countries.
“So when we talk about elimination of violence against women, it doesn’t mean we should shift the violence to men,” said Sibanda.
Key concerns include sexual violence, harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriages.
The convention seeks to establish a continent-wide legal framework that will enhance accountability for member states to implement protective measures and monitor progress in combating violence against women and girls.
“By grounding the convention in our shared values and traditions, we can ensure that it resonates with the communities it aims to protect,” Sibanda explained.
The meeting emphasized the continent-wide scope of GBV, with participants highlighting that the issue transcends national borders.
As participants engaged in dialogue, it became clear that the convention could serve as a framework for sharing best practices among African nations, fostering collaboration, and setting an example for other regions grappling with similar issues.
The discussions included a detailed review of the convention’s 39 articles, with participants tasked with identifying gaps and proposing revisions. According to Sibanda, the consultative process is not just a platform for discussion, but a component of a broader strategy to combat GBV in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Zimbabwe has already implemented various frameworks, including a national strategy for preventing and addressing GBV and a high-level political agreement aimed at strengthening local responses.
New Ziana