GL Zim & WCOZ launch Voice and Choice Barometer

Harare, 27 October 2020: The SADC Gender Protocol Alliance members and Gender Links Zimbabwe launched #VoiceandChoice 2020 Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights (SRHR) Barometer in the time of COVID-19. The launch took place at Crowne Plaza Monomotapa hotel.

Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) Chairperson, Ms Evernice Munando, also the Alliance National focal person chaired the providing opening remarks. In attendance was Young Women Alliance members and associate network organisations. Muchanyara Mukamuri Director of Young Women Christian Association bemoaned the rise in maternal and neonatal deaths, especially during this time of COVID-19.

Launching the Barometer, Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, Virginia Muwanigwa noted the threats that the Covid-19 pandemic posed in the face of the SRHR gains made to date. She noted the 20% surge in domestic violence cases during the Covid-19 induced lockdown. Muwanigwa also noted the negative patriarchal based socio-cultural norms and practices which present a hindrance to the potential enjoyment of women’s human rights.

Priscilla Maposa, Gender Links Zimbabwe Country Manager presented the The Barometer findings . Key findings relevant to Zimbabwe included :
• Greenlight improvement specific to menstrual health, Zimbabwe is amongst the 6 SADC countries that have removed VAT from Menstrual Hygiene Products.
• There is also free sanitary pads provided in schools.
• Zimbabwe has improved in bridging the gap in unmet need for family planning shows the gap between women’s reproductive intentions and access to contraceptives.

The launch which took place following the Alliance National meeting included commitments and action planning in the thematic areas SRHR, Governance, Economic Justice and Climate Justice. These action plans will be implemented in 2021 at both national and regional level. WCoZ and key stakeholders committed to work together and complement the government’s efforts to achieve the country-level work. Organisational participants included representatives from the Southern Africa Gender Protocol Alliance networks, the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, Media and Gender Links among others with support from Amplify Change, Diakonia and the New Venture Fund.

GL Zimbabwe and its Alliance partners will be organising events including cyber dialogues for the upcoming 16 Days of Activism cyber dialogues. They will debate key findings and how to apply these to strengthen #VoiceandChoice campaigns in the country.

For more information on how to join the 16 Days of Activism Cyber dialogues, click here.

For interviews please contact Tapiwa Zvaraya on zimmande@genderlinks.org.za or Sally Ncube on +263 77 302 0527.