World Bank Report Reveals Persistent Gender Inequality and Violence in Zimbabwe

A recent World Bank report has shed light on the persistent gender disparities faced by Zimbabwe in achieving gender equality and combating high rates of gender-based violence (GBV). The Zimbabwe Gender-based Violence Assessment Report reveals that in 2019, approximately 42.5% of women experienced physical and/or sexual violence, a figure that surpasses both global and regional averages.

The report highlights the alarming prevalence of various forms of GBV in the country. Around 39.4% of women have experienced physical violence, while 11.6% have faced sexual violence. Child marriage also remains a significant issue, with 33.7% of women marrying before the age of 18. Furthermore, over 90% of women have reported experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace.

Despite legislative efforts to address GBV, the report emphasizes the need for more effective enforcement and the establishment of legal frameworks that criminalize all acts of GBV. While commending the government's commitment to eliminating violence against women and children, as outlined in the recently launched Zimbabwe National Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-based Violence 2023–2030, the World Bank stresses that more work is needed on the legislative front.

Why this matters: The persistent gender inequalities and high rates of gender-based violence in Zimbabwe not only violate the fundamental rights of women and girls but also hinder the country's social and economic progress. Addressing these issues is critical for achieving sustainable development and ensuring a safe and equitable society for all Zimbabweans.

The report also reveals significant gender disparities in various aspects of life. Women are underrepresented in wage employment and overconcentrated in the informal labor market. The labor force participation rate stands at 53% for men compared to 34% for women. Additionally, high youth unemployment among women and elevated rates of teenage pregnancies contribute to the challenges faced by Zimbabwean women.

To tackle these issues, the World Bank report offers several recommendations. These include designing and implementing targeted, evidence-based awareness campaigns to address social and gender norms, improving the justice delivery system to address bottlenecks in GBV case resolutions, and supporting socio-economic skills training for women. The report also emphasizes the importance of providing childcare services and addressing the gender divide in land ownership and assets.

The World Bank's Zimbabwe Gender-based Violence Assessment Report serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent gender disparities faced by women in Zimbabwe. "Less than half of GBV survivors seek help, and less than 40% of survivors know where to access GBV services," the report states. As the government and Parliament work towards effectively combating GBV and protecting vulnerable populations, strong legislative frameworks, policy support, and comprehensive strategies will be essential in creating a more equitable and safe society for all Zimbabweans.

Key Takeaways

• 42.5% of Zimbabwean women experienced physical/sexual violence in 2019.
• 33.7% of women married before age 18, and 90% faced workplace harassment.
• Weak enforcement of laws and lack of comprehensive legal frameworks hinder progress.
• Gender disparities in employment, assets, and childcare access impede women's progress.
• Less than half of GBV survivors seek help, highlighting the need for better support.