From the 25th of November to the 10th of December, Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

This year’s theme is “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Make education safe for all.” Countries and organisation around the world are looking at how violence against girls also takes places in schools. It’s also about how violence at home and at schools can prevent girls from getting a proper education.

But is gender-based violence (GBV) a challenge in Zimbabwe? Are young people really victims of GBV? The answer is yes, and that’s why young people have to do something.

According to the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 1 in 4 women say they had experienced sexual violence. And in 9 out of 10 of the cases, her abuser was her current or former husband, partner or boyfriend. And did you know that GBV happens to women and girls of all ages? One in 3 women aged 15 to 49 say they have experienced physical violence since the age 15.

As a young person, you can help stop violence against women and girls by: Going to to the police to report what’s happening if you are being abused or know someone who is being abuse Asking for help if you’re hurting or abusing a woman or girl in your life Checking the Zimbabwe Peace Project site to find out about programmes in your area and how you can get involved: http://www.zimpeaceproject.com

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence runs from 25th November to 10th December. Encourage victims to report cases to the Victim Support Unit at their local Police Station or call 116

Have you ever experienced any form of gender-based violence? Where did it happen?