In a speech read on her behalf by Dr Benard Madzima, Auxillia Mnangagwa said her role as the first lady gives her the responsibility to tackle GBV and harmful cultural practices such as child marriages as they pose sexual and reproductive health consequences to women and adolescent girls.
“As you are aware, I’m the founder of the Angel of Hope Foundation as well as the vice president of Organization for African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), it gives me the responsibility to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices including child marriages which violate human rights and pose serious sexual and reproductive health consequences for women and adolescents girls,” she said.
In an interview with 263Chat,National PMTCT and Pediatric HIV and Care Treatment coordinator, AIDS and TB Unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Angela Mushavi said the First Lady’s influence was necessary in helping achieve the 90,90,90 goals.
“We are in support of the engagement of the First Lady. We believe high level advocacy is effective for example the 90, 90 ,90 goal to be successful, her influence is necessary to reach the target. She is key in supporting the work of the government and other global initiatives,” said Mushavi.
Statistics reveal that 35 percent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lives globally.
In Zimbabwe, GBV remains an issue of grave concern since it has increased steadily over the years with 30 and 35 percent of women aged between 15-49 years reported to have experienced physical violence since 2010/11 and 2015 respectively.
