World Commemorates International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Zimbabwe joins the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women today.

This annual observance aims to raise awareness about the violence faced by women and is part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from today until 10 December.

According to a 2023 United Nations survey, at least 51,100 women were killed by their partners or family members in brutal acts of violence worldwide. In Zimbabwe, women between the ages of 15 and 49 are most affected by domestic violence, accounting for 39.4% of assault cases reported to the police. In December 2023 alone, 16,444 domestic violence cases were reported, with 31 of these resulting in the deaths of the victims.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding women’s rights and protecting both women and children from all forms of physical and emotional gender-based violence.