Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a global pressing challenge, including in Zimbabwe. It affects individuals, families, and communities. This year, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Zimbabwe and the embassies of the EU Member States together as Team Europe joined local partners to mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against GBV with a series of impactful initiatives. From interactive theatre performances to solidarity messages on radio, these activities showcased Team Europe’s dedication to fostering gender equality, supporting survivors, and driving lasting change. By reaching thousands across urban and rural areas, the campaign inspired collective action and meaningful dialogue.

Team Europe Initiative (TEI)’s Heads of Mission met the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development

A key highlight was a meeting between he Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and the EU Heads of Mission from the EU, Spain, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Portugal, France, Ireland, joined by Switzerland. The meeting served to formally introduce the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) to the Minister, discuss shared priorities on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), and explore avenues for collaboration and support. The Ambassadors and the Minister agreed to establish a regular policy dialogue on GEWE to ensure alignment of strategies and priorities. This dialogue underscores the importance of GEWE to the success of the EU’s Global Gateway Initiatives in Zimbabwe, ensuring that investments contribute to equitable and inclusive development.

Harnessing the Power of Theatre to Address GBV

In collaboration with the Zimbabwe Theatre Academy, Team Europe delivered a powerful theatre series that brought GBV issues to life through compelling storytelling throughout the country. Performances were staged in seven locations, including Chitungwiza, Bulawayo, Plumtree, Gweru, Chegutu, Chinhoyi, and Harare, reaching over 1,000 people and igniting critical conversations.

Performed in English, Shona, and Ndebele, the dramas explored the root causes of GBV, the barriers survivors face, and the vital role of communities in fostering safer environments. Each performance concluded with interactive discussions, where audiences shared personal experiences and proposed solutions.

In the places covered by the theatre performances, the GBV hotlines of Team Europe implementing partners witnessed an increase in calls to their centres.

The theatre performances brought together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders. Swedish and French Ambassadors delivered messages of solidarity and engaged with participants, reinforcing Team Europe's commitment to tackling GBV.

Sixteen Messages of Solidarity by Team Europe

Complementing the theatre performances, Team Europe Ambassadors and the EU’s Green and Gender Ambassadors shared 16 messages of solidarity on radio on each of the days of the campaign. The messages by Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Portugal, Spain and the European Union, highlighted the shared responsibility to combat GBV and Team Europe’s unwavering dedication to gender equality.

Driving Lasting Change beyond the 16 Days

The 16 Days of Activism illuminated the critical issue of GBV and highlighted the necessity for sustained efforts to eradicate it. Team Europe partners in Zimbabwe have supported over 33,000 GBV survivors with essential services, including legal aid, safe shelters, counselling, medical support, and economic empowerment. Community members have called for ongoing campaigns, financial literacy workshops, entrepreneurship initiatives, and the integration of GBV education into school curricula, advocating for continuous year-round action.

Through these collective efforts, Team Europe aims to foster a safer and more equitable society in Zimbabwe, ensuring that the strides made during these 16 Days of Activism extend well beyond the campaign.