Gwanda centre for gender-based violence opens

One Stop Centre for survivors of gender based violence has been opened at Gwanda Provincial Hospital bringing the number of such centres to four in the country.

The establishment of the Centre was funded by the United Nations Population Fund which contributed $60 000 for its establishment as well as furnishing.

The Centre offers medical services, HIV prevention services, contraceptives, counselling, Police friendly Unit, Legal Unit as well as STI prevention and treatment.

Speaking during the official opening of the Centre, the guest of Honour, Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Nyasha Chikwinya encouraged women to speak out so that they can be helped.

"Gender based violence is real and we need to stand up and fight against it and this Centre is there to make sure that those who are brave enough to speak out can have a forum whereby they can be assisted," said Chikwinya.

In an interview with Gwanda Provincial Medical Superintendent Dr Pugie Chimberengwa expressed confidence in his team saying, "we now have a competent team that can deal with the gender based violence survivors and I am grateful because when we used to deal with victims at the casualty ward it was not so comfortable and there was real need for the creation of an enabling environment."

"This development has come at a time when the scourge of gender based violence has been high and disturbing. Now that we have this new Centre, we are hoping that it will give us an opportunity to counsel and treat the victims in a secluded and private environment," he added.

The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Abednico Ncube, UNFPA Country Representative Cheikh Cisse, and Deputy Minister for Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Abigal Damasane.