GBV is  becoming a common occurrence—an everyday thing. Barely a day passes in Zambia without the report of a case of violence against women, whether in a rural or an urban setting.

In some areas, the number of reported cases averages 50 a day. It is widely believed, however, that many cases go unreported and  the numbers keep going up.

Gender-based violence (GBV) in Zambia takes the form of physical, mental, social or economic abuse against a person because of that person’s gender and includes violence that may result in physical, sexual or psychological harm and suffering to the victim. It may also include threats or coercion, or the arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether in public or private life. Currently  there has been an increase in physical GBV cases such as those involving assault and murder.

Child marriage is another form of GBV and a human rights violation that robs girls of their right to health, a secure life and the right to choose when and whom to marry. The root causes of GBV can largely be narrowed down to inequality for women and the associated violence and harmful and controlling aspects of masculinity that result from patriarchal power imbalances embedded in much of Africa’s traditional and cultural beliefs. This imbalance often leads to pervasive cultural stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate the cycle  of GBV. Communities, especially in the rural areas, have continued to embrace negative cultural beliefs whereby GBV is the norm. If a man does not beat his wife, it is taken to mean he doesn\’t love her. Some beliefs condone men’s infidelity but never women’s.

Currently RWA Zambia is   undertaking  GBV  awareness and sensitization  campaigns in order to prevent and Mitigate GBV .The research findings of the scorecard research  done by RWA Zambia  in 5 districts of Zambia  namely Ndola, Lusaka, Chongwe, Monze and Mumbwa   reviewed  a lot of gaps such as lack of safe houses for GBV victims, People lacking knowledge  on where to report GBV cases  and most people are not aware of the  Anti GBV  Act to mention but a few.

RWA  Zambia  has been carrying  out campaigns on educating  people on forms of GBV and Offenses which are outlined in the Anti GBV Act.

Further, the Anti GBV Act also states that the person who is victimized can get a protection order .Most people are not aware of that. RWA Zambia  has been educating  people on the Protection order as most people were afraid to report GBV case  because  the victims would still remain in the perpetrators  household .

Furthermore, RWA Zambia  has also been encouraging and sensitizing  women to report GBV cases   not only to the victims support  unit  but also  to the head men, concerned people, health worker , community  and community workers as long as the have witnessed it .It has been encouraging  people to report to the police victims Support unit .People report  GBV cases to  any police station and this  prevents their cases from being handled  appropriately  and professionally as  when the go direct to victims support unit , their cases are dealt with professionally and accordingly. However, most places do not  have police stations near by as such  people have to travel  long distances  to get to the police stations , this has resulted in most cases not being unreported. 

In addition, RWA Zambia  also  sensitizing  people to report GBV cases  to hospitals  that have  one  stop centers .These Centers have a policemen, a doctor and lawyer .The police officer writes the GBV  report, the doctors examines the victim and the lawyer takes up the case. However, people Shane  away  from being witnesses. 

RWA  Zambia also  has been sensitizing women on  the GBV   toll free line  933 or child help line 166  which enables  people to get help immediately and make calls without being known.

To mitigate and fight GBV  after the score card research  findings  and gaps , RWA  will be   running  two pilot healing  centers , one in Mumbwa and another in Chongwe Districts of Zambia. RWA Zambia will be training 10 healing center Facilitators. 5 in Chongwe and 5 in Mumbwa District.

As RWA  Zambia, We say Empower victims and hold perpetrators  accountable .GBV is a crime not a private matter NO excuses No Tolerance GBV  must end Now GBV MUST fall We  must  break the cycle of violence  and be an ally in the  fight against GBV 

TOGETHER WE CAN END GBV!