The European Union (EU) has once again demonstrated its strong support for Zimbabwe’s efforts in combating gender-based violence (GBV), pledging over US$300 million towards gender equality initiatives. This pledge comes as part of the EU’s ongoing commitment to addressing GBV, a critical issue that has long plagued communities in Zimbabwe and around the world.
The reaffirmation of support was made during the HeForShe march against GBV, which took place in Harare on Wednesday. EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, emphasized the EU’s steadfast backing for Zimbabwe’s government-led initiatives in the fight against GBV.
“We are with you, yes we are with you, and we support the efforts the government is doing to fight against GBV,” Kirchmann said, reflecting the EU’s unwavering commitment to the cause.
Ambassador Kirchmann went on to highlight that the European Union has mobilized an impressive US$300 million specifically for gender equality programs and the fight against GBV in Zimbabwe. He reassured the public that, despite the changing global political landscape, the EU’s support for gender-based violence prevention and women’s empowerment would continue to grow in the years ahead.
“The European Union team has mobilised over US$300 million for gender equality and the fight against GBV in Zimbabwe alone, and I think you will see in the coming years lots of activities in that sense,” Kirchmann added.
The EU’s involvement has been instrumental in helping Zimbabwe expand its GBV programs, ranging from victim support to public awareness campaigns aimed at challenging harmful cultural norms and behaviors. This commitment serves as an important lifeline for many organizations and initiatives working on the ground.
The EU’s pledge comes amid growing concerns about the future of international aid under the newly-elected U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. has traditionally been a major funder of development programs, including those focused on GBV, through agencies like USAID. However, President Trump’s executive orders to reevaluate and realign foreign aid funding have left many wondering about the continuity of this support.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Women Affairs, Monica Mutsvangwa, raised concerns about the potential impact of the U.S.’s decision on local GBV prevention programs. During the HeForShe march, she directed the question to Ambassador Kirchmann, who was quick to reassure Zimbabwean citizens that the EU would remain a reliable and consistent partner.
In response, Kirchmann expressed confidence that even if U.S. funding for GBV programs were to decrease, the EU would not only fill the gap but also ensure the growth of essential activities to support Zimbabwe’s fight against gender-based violence. His statement reinforced the EU’s long-term dedication to the cause.
Alongside the EU, Canada’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Adler Aristide, also reiterated Canada’s support for Zimbabwe’s gender equality and GBV programs. Aristide made it clear that, while Canada’s involvement in Zimbabwe’s fight against GBV would not be influenced by U.S. foreign policy decisions, Canada would continue to be a strong ally.
“We are not going to question the U.S. in their decisions, we will have to see what they decide to do in three months, but Canada will be here to continue their support and commitment to this cause,” Aristide said.
This collaborative international effort from the EU, Canada, and other partners ensures that Zimbabwe’s battle against GBV remains resilient despite the uncertainties surrounding other funding sources. While the U.S. remains a key player in Zimbabwe’s social development programs, the EU and Canada’s steadfast commitment provides the country with a strong foundation of international support.
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