More effort needed to end GBV – YWCA

THE Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) has said that the rise in Gender Based Violence cases is an indication that the number of victims reporting such cases is increasing.

YWCA president Patricia Mubanga explained that it was gratifying to learn that people in communities were no longer afraid to report GBV cases to relevant authorities, as opposed to the past.

“We are glad that people are coming out to report cases and we are hoping to come up with a stronger and strengthened plan in terms of investment and prevention of GBV in the country,” Ms. Mubanga said.

She also attributed the rise in GBV cases to high poverty levels in most parts of the country, especially now that the current drought had affected many famers, leading to hunger in most families.

She stated that there was a need for disaster preparedness plans to address many issues affecting the country.

She said issues affecting the economy had direct impacts on financial conflicts in homes, in terms of income generation and expenditure, which if mismanaged, resulted in GBV-related cases.

She added that not having strong relationships and getting into marriage for the wrong reasons also contributed to GBV, through issues of assault.

He further noted that breakdown of family systems was also a leading factor to the cases of GBV in the country, as most parents and guardians had allowed social media groom to mentor their children.

She further called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Government to find a common platform to discuss ways of mitigating against and alleviating cases of GBV in Zambia.

Zambia has recorded over 42,000 Gender Based Violence Cases as of 2023, with Lusaka Province recording the highest cases at 7,778.