Takeda, a Japanese Pharmaceutical company extended to Zimbabwe a sum of US $1,3 million as financial and technical support, the money to be channelled through UNFPA is meant for development of a GBV Case Management system.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa revealed yesterday in a keynote address at the launch of the Women at the Center Project.
“It is heartwarming to note that we shall be piloting the Case Management system in Bubi, a rural District of Matabeleland Province.
Piloting in a district such as Bubi will inform us of the realities faced by survivors accessing services, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
This gives a true reflection that we can replicate the project across the country in line with the Country’s Vision of leaving no one and no place behind mantra”, Mutsvangwa said.
The Minister said that, evidence of their efforts bears witness to the Country’s commitment to end GBV and strengthen the provision of comprehensive GBV response services.
The commitment is also displayed at the highest political level where the President signed the High-Level Political Compact on ending GBV.
The GBV Strategy was also launched last year to bring a coordinated approach to GBV prevention and response efforts.
Mutsvangwa went on to state that, “GBV Case Management System will bring together the principles of coordination, collaboration, standardization, and holistic empowerment of GBV survivors.
On that note, allow me Ladies and Gentlemen, to express our sincere gratitude, on behalf of the Republic of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, to the people of Japan for extending support towards the establishment of a Zimbabwe GBV Case Management System.
I am humbled by the fact that Zimbabwe is one of five countries that are part of this project, together with Indonesia, El Salvador, Azerbaijan and Madagascar.
Indeed, Japan has been a long-time friend and ally to our Country, specifically in our gender-based violence prevention and response initiatives”.
Japan has rendered support towards the construction of the Mpilo One-Stop Center.
Last year, Epworth GBV Services Centre constructed with support from Japan was officially commissioned by the state.
One of the structures at Rozaria Memorial Trust in Murehwa was also constructed with support from Japan.
Responding to GBV in Emergencies through mobile One Stop Centers as well as procurement of rape kits for District and Provincial Hospitals has been supported by Japan.
“Your Excellency Yamanaka Shinichi, we are truly grateful for your support over the years and commit ourselves to a continued partnership that will see the improvement of the lives of women and girls in Zimbabwe”, the Minister appreciated.
Mutsvangwa reiterated that the Ministry commit to the implementation and rollout of the programme as key stakeholders within GBV programming as the project will add value to their work in responding to the needs of GBV survivors.
With these remarks, Mutsvangwa officially launched the Takeda – ‘Women at the Center -Rising up against the Pandemic of Violence against Women Project’ on the development of a GBV Case Management System for Zimbabwe.