World Bank Pledges $20 Million to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Zimbabwe

The World Bank is mobilizing $20 million to empower women in Zimbabwe and combat the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. This significant commitment comes in the wake of the release of the Gender Assessment and Gender-Based Violence Assessment reports, which shed light on the alarming extent of GBV in Zimbabwe. The reports reveal that early child marriages, sexual harassment, and physical violence against women and children are disturbingly common forms of GBV in the nation.

Why this matters: The World Bank's commitment to combating GBV in Zimbabwe sets a vital precedent for addressing this pervasive issue globally, as it affects not only the well-being of individuals but also the economic and social development of entire communities. Effective strategies to combat GBV can have a ripple effect, leading to more equitable societies and improved human rights for women and girls worldwide. Effective strategies to combat GBV can have a ripple effect, leading to more equitable societies and improved human rights for women and girls worldwide.

According to the findings, in 2019 alone, a staggering 42.5% ofwomen in Zimbabweexperienced physical and/or sexual violence, a figure that surpasses both global and regional averages. The reports also identify harmful cultural practices, such as paying lobola and child and forced marriages, as major drivers of GBV in the country. These practices contribute to the perpetuation of violence against women and girls, highlighting the urgent need for action to address these deeply entrenched cultural issues.

In response to these alarming findings, the World Bank is taking decisive steps to combat GBV and empower women in Zimbabwe. World Bank country manager Eneida Fernandes states that the bulk of the $20 million will be channeled towards creatingeconomic opportunitiesfor women. "We are looking at identifying financing through trust funds that can help move this agenda,"Fernandes explains. The World Bank is currently designing a concept note that highlights its commitment to complement government initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for women.

Fernandes also notes that even more funds could be channeled to Zimbabwe if the country clears its arrears with the World Bank, which currently stand at close to $17.7 billion. "We hope that everything we are financing now will be on a pilot base because all these things, we can create and scale up once the arrears are cleared," Fernandes emphasizes. She further adds,"I think our role is based on this growth pattern andempowerment of womenthrough job creation."

The release of the Gender Assessment and Gender-Based Violence Assessment reports serves as a pressing alarm of the urgent need for action to combat GBV in Zimbabwe. The findings highlight the importance of refining the country's legislation to effectively curtail GBV and protect the rights and well-being of women and children. The World Bank's pledge of $20 million is a significant step in the right direction, but it is clear that much more needs to be done to eradicate GBV and create a society where women can thrive free fromviolence and discrimination.

Key Takeaways

• World Bank commits $20 million to empower women and combat gender-based violence in Zimbabwe.
• 42.5% of women in Zimbabwe experienced physical and/or sexual violence in 2019, exceeding global and regional averages.
• Harmful cultural practices, such as child marriages, drive GBV in Zimbabwe.
• $20 million will be used to create economic opportunities for women, with potential for more funding if Zimbabwe clears its World Bank arrears.
• Refining legislation is crucial to effectively combat GBV and protect women's and children's rights in Zimbabwe.