Help 5000 GBV Victims in Zimbabwe

Gender-Based Violence Rapid Response Center (GBVRRC) in Rusape, Makoni District, Zimbabwe

Sustainable World Zimbabwe Trust

GlobalGiving

8 months (as of the report date)

$200,000

• Total Raised: $0

• Remaining Goal: $200,000

• Number of Donors: 0

• Monthly Donors: 0

The Gender-Based Violence Rapid Response Center (GBVRRC) is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the pervasive issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Makoni District, Zimbabwe. The project seeks to establish a center that provides comprehensive support to Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) who are victims of rape, child marriages, sex trafficking, and forced marriages. The center will offer counseling, rehabilitation, and skills development programs, including training in soft skills, STEM (coding), and G-suite. Despite the critical need for this intervention, the project has not yet received any funding since its launch on the GlobalGiving platform eight months ago.

This report outlines the project's objectives, challenges, proposed solutions, and the potential long-term impact. It also highlights the urgent need for funding to ensure the successful implementation of this life-changing initiative.

Makoni District, like many regions in Zimbabwe, faces deeply entrenched gender disparities that hinder social and economic progress. According to statistics, one in every five girls or young women has experienced Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in some form during their childhood. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address GBV and its long-term consequences.

The lack of accessible support services for GBV survivors in Makoni District exacerbates the problem. Many victims are left without counseling, rehabilitation, or opportunities to rebuild their lives. This project aims to fill this gap by establishing a dedicated center that provides holistic support to survivors while equipping them with skills to achieve economic independence.

1. Provide Counseling and Rehabilitation Services:

   • Offer trauma-informed counseling to AGYW who are victims of GBV.

   • Conduct tailored rehabilitation sessions to help survivors heal and reintegrate into society.

2. Empower Survivors Through Skills Development:

   • Train young women in soft skills, STEM (coding), and G-suite to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.

3. Promote Gender Equality and Community Awareness:

   • Raise awareness about GBV and its impact on individuals and the community.

   • Advocate for gender equality and the rights of women and girls in Makoni District.

The GBVRRC will serve as a safe haven for GBV survivors, offering the following services:

1. Counseling and Rehabilitation:

   • Professional counseling sessions to address trauma and emotional distress.

   • Rehabilitation programs tailored to the unique needs of each survivor.

2. Skills Development and Training:

   • Soft skills training to improve communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

   • STEM training, including coding and G-suite, to equip survivors with in-demand technical skills.

3. Entrepreneurship Support:

   • Provide entrepreneurship training and mentorship to help survivors start their own businesses.

   • Offer access to microfinance opportunities to support income-generating activities.

4. Community Outreach and Advocacy:

   • Conduct workshops and awareness campaigns to educate the community about GBV and gender equality.

   • Collaborate with local leaders and stakeholders to advocate for policy changes that protect women and girls.

The Sustainable World Zimbabwe Trust envisions a future where gender equality is deeply embedded in the fabric of Makoni District. The GBVRRC will serve as a catalyst for lasting change by:

1. Empowering Survivors:

   • Equipping survivors with the skills and confidence to achieve economic independence.

   • Reducing the likelihood of re-victimization by providing ongoing support and resources.

2. Transforming Communities:

   • Creating a ripple effect of empowerment as survivors become role models and advocates for change.

   • Contributing to the economic vibrancy of Makoni District through increased participation of women in the workforce.

3. Promoting Gender Equality:

   • Challenging harmful cultural norms and practices that perpetuate GBV.

   • Fostering a culture of respect and equality that benefits the entire community.