Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Matebeleland region records a staggering total of 66 cases of rape every month, with Bulawayo province alone reporting at least three cases weekly, a senior government official said on Thursday.
Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube revealed the alarming figures at the launch of the Mpilo One Stop Centre for gender-based violence survivors.
The occasion also saw the launch of the province’s 16 Days of Activism Against GBV. November 25 is recognized globally as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, marking the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, which concludes on December 10, the International Human Rights Day.
The provincial commemorations were held under the theme “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
“Statistics from the Regional Court show that about 66 cases of rape are recorded from different areas monthly in the Matebeleland region. In Bulawayo province, at least three rape cases are recorded weekly, usually perpetrated by close relatives and neighbours,” Ncube stated, adding that a lot other cases go unreported.
She emphasized that the opening of the One Stop Centre will improve the reporting rate of GBV cases, enhance justice, and help survivors access legal, medical, and counselling services.
The One Stop Centres will provide holistic services — health, psycho-social support, legal, and police services—under one roof at no cost, creating a confidential and friendly environment that empowers victims to break their silence and report gender-based violence.
The Mpilo Centre marks the 18th facility established by the government, following similar initiatives in Rusape, Gweru, Gwanda, Bindura, Chinhoyi, Epworth, and Masvingo. In total, it is the 18th One Stop Centre, including those set up by various stakeholders across Zimbabwe. The Bulawayo Centre was established with support from the Japanese Embassy and Family Support Trust.
“GBV survivors will also enjoy privacy as they will no longer need to move from one service provider to another, thereby exposing themselves to further risk of abuse and harm,” Ncube said. She stressed the need to strengthen collaborative efforts to ensure that services for GBV survivors are continuously provided.
“The Zimbabwean citizens, particularly women and girls, are looking up to us to address the problem of GBV in our nation; thus, we should not let them down,” Ncube added.
Speaking at the same event, UN Resident Coordinator Edward Kallon, represented by UN Women Country Representative Faton Aminatalo, emphasized that gender equality is a cornerstone of sustainable development. He pointed out that initiatives such as establishing One Stop Centres for GBV survivors are crucial in driving progress toward a more just and inclusive world.
Kallon reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting the provision of GBV services by offering technical assistance, funding, and advocacy to ensure that One Stop Centres are equipped to provide the highest possible standard of care.
“The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the provision of GBV services to victims. We will continue to provide technical assistance, funding, and advocacy to ensure that centres like this one are equipped to offer the highest possible standards of care.
“Our commitment is rooted in the belief that every individual has the right to live free from violence and fear, and that every woman or girl who experiences GBV is one too many,” he said. He applauded the government for pursuing its vision of establishing One Stop Centres in every province with the support of development partners.
“The launch is intrinsically linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly number five. By addressing GBV, we are not only protecting human rights but also fostering social and economic development,” Kallon noted.
He called upon all stakeholders, including government, civil society, international organizations, and communities, to continue scaling up efforts to combat GBV. “We must expand our reach, enhance our services, and create a world where gender-based violence is not tolerated, and survivors are empowered to reclaim their lives. The establishment of this facility is a testament to our collective and unwavering commitment to address the scourge of GBV.
“It provides a comprehensive range of services under one roof, reducing the need for survivors to navigate multiple services and access the medical care and psychological support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
“This proven model of providing GBV services is not just a facility; it is a lifeline for those who have endured unimaginable suffering,” said the UN representative.
Kallon also said this development aligns with several key United Nations resolutions, such as the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) general recommendations 12, 19, and 35, which challenge member states to protect women and girls from violence.
“It also aligns with UN Resolution 1820 of June 2008, which recognizes sexual violence as a tactic of suppression and calls for comprehensive measures to address it. These resolutions underscore our global commitment to ending GBV and ensuring that survivors receive the justice and support they deserve,” Kallon said.
New Ziana
