EU Delegation to Zimbabwe Commemorates 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe today joined the global #OrangeTheWorld movement, with staff wearing orange to mark the start of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Orange is the colour of hope — a call to break the silence, reject indifference, and affirm a future free from violence for every woman and girl.

This symbolic act reflects the EU’s unwavering commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV) in all its forms, both offline and online. It also sets the tone for this year’s 16 Days campaign, which once again brings together governments, development partners, civil society, communities, and individuals to demand safety, dignity and equality for women and girls.

EU Participation at the National Launch

Over the weekend, the EU Delegation joined national partners at the official launch of the 16 Days campaign and the GBV Symposium in Harare.
Representing the EU, Chargée d’Affaires and Deputy Ambassador Lourdes Chamorro reaffirmed Team Europe’s long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s rights in Zimbabwe.

She underscored that violence against women and girls is a human rights violation and a major barrier to development:
“No woman or girl should have to live in fear. A society free from violence is one where everyone can fully participate and thrive.”

Team Europe’s Commitment: Sustaining Progress

Through the Team Europe Initiative on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), the EU, EU Member States and Switzerland have committed more than €300 million towards supporting gender equality in Zimbabwe between 2021 and 2027.

One of the flagship efforts under this initiative is the Sustaining the Gains Programme, funded by the EU and Switzerland and implemented with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and UN Women, UNFPA, UNICEF and UNDP.

This programme builds on the achievements of the Spotlight Initiative — such as improved national forensic capacity for rape cases, expansion of GBV hotlines, the enactment of the Marriages Act, and the establishment of Safe Markets in Epworth and Umzingwane.

Sustaining the Gains is strengthening national systems for GBV prevention and response, expanding survivor services, reinforcing accountability mechanisms, and improving the availability of data. The programme also supported the landmark UNFPA–World Bank study on the economic cost of GBV, which provides critical evidence to guide future policies and investments.

Supporting Safe Spaces and Survivors

The EU continues to partner with civil society organisations such as Musasa, which provides life-saving services for survivors — including safe shelters, psychosocial support, emergency medical care, and legal assistance. These services are essential in ensuring women and girls can access protection, care, and justice.

At the same time, the EU is supporting initiatives that promote safer digital and physical spaces, including helplines, digital literacy efforts, accountability mechanisms, and strengthened reporting pathways.

Standing Together to End GBV

As the 16 Days campaign begins, the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe reiterates its strong commitment to working with government, civil society, UN agencies, the private sector and communities to build a safer and more equal society.