The 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against Women Campaign on the 25th of November 2015 clearly articulated the role, situation and institutional framework for women in the culture sector. It also informed sector policies and strategies and improved gender sensitivity and inclusivity in the arts and culture sector.The 16 days of activism against GBV was set out to raise awareness of gender based violence within communities of Chinhoyi. Commemorations were done in all 15 wards of the Chinhoyi town, which was also one of the objectives of the project. This project was done to raise awareness on services providers such as ministry of women affairs, ministry of health and Municipality of Chinhoyi. Also the project was set out to make the people to know the referral pathway.The activity is traditional which is held annually in the district. It came about because of the fact that Chinhoyi town which is the capital in Mashonaland west province is the second highest province recording very high cases of gender based violence according to the Gender Links report in 2013.Only 220 direct beneficiaries have been reached by this project. The Zimbabwean Government has allocated $500 to support this project. In kind contributions amounted to $200, and in total the budget for this project is $700.Of the main challenges faced were that people lacked full understanding of what GBV and 16 Days of Activism was and the turnout to community gatherings was somehow distracted. Limited resources also affected the ongoing of the project. Men pulled back when asked to attend the public gatherings to discuss issues of GBV and engaging in the 16 Days of Activism.Since the start of the project and trying to get most people to engage, women have a basic understanding of what GBV and 16 Days of Activism is all about. They were informed about how to deal with GBV and where to report the cases when it happens. Also men participate in issues that touch on gender equality and fighting against GBV.Some male councillors requested gender workshops in their wards and the number of men who attend the workshops keep accumulating. The Chinhoyi Municipality now has males who are advocating for gender equality.Ever since men have engaged in the project they are now assisting their families through sweeping and picking up litter in the community. Men are also reporting abuse cases in their community if they notice such.This is a good practice, and through continuous campaigns many people will receive help. Fear of reporting GBV cases can be conquered through promotion of this project and many women can still find their feet even after experiencing abuse.
