?? What is the Key to Ending Gender Based Violence in Zimbabwe? ??

What does it take to stop the violence? How many more lives must be shattered before we realise the true cost of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Zimbabwe? Every year, we mark the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, but what if the solution lies in a tool that’s been underutilised, Data Journalism. ??This article marks Day 1 of a 16 day series that will explore different angles of the GBV issue in Zimbabwe, how it affects communities, how we can raise awareness and most importantly, how we can use data to change the narrative.

In Zimbabwe, GBV has reached alarming levels. According to a 2021 Zimbabwe National Statistics report, an estimated 1 in 3 women have experienced some form of physical, sexual, or emotional violence in their lifetime. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent real lives, real trauma. Yet, despite the growing awareness, why does it seem like we're still stuck in the cycle of silence and underreporting?

The Stats

?? 60% of women in Zimbabwe experience physical violence before the age of 18.

?? 34% of women report having experienced intimate partner violence.

?? 75% of women don’t report cases of GBV due to fear, stigma, or lack of trust in authorities.

But this data is just the surface. Behind these figures are stories that need to be told, voices that need to be heard. It’s time we stop asking, “why is this happening?” and start asking, “how can we use the data to change this narrative?”

The Role of Data Journalism

In the age of information, data journalism can be the game changer we’ve been waiting for. ?? Imagine a world where every GBV case is tracked in real time, where interactive maps show which areas are most affected and where social media platforms like X, WhatsApp and Facebook become rallying points for the fight against GBV. ??

With data journalism, we can,

? Visualise the scale of violence through infographics that shock, inform, and mobilize action.

? Highlight trends such as which regions or demographics are most affected by GBV and create targeted campaigns for them.

? Empower survivors by giving them a voice and a platform to share their stories without fear of judgment.

? Hold authorities accountable, using data to show gaps in reporting, law enforcement, or judicial response.

How Can We Create Change?

This 16 Days of Activism isn’t just a symbolic gesture. It’s a call to action. If we continue to rely on outdated methods of advocacy, we’ll keep running in circles. But if we embrace data driven storytelling, we unlock the power to create lasting change.

?? What happens when survivors’ stories are told through data visualisations?

?? Can we break the silence surrounding GBV if we can SEE the full scope of the issue in interactive charts?

?? What if every data point represented a life saved, a cycle broken, or a community transformed?

The truth is, data journalism has the power to make this issue impossible to ignore.

As we reflect on the 16 Days of Activism, let’s remember that the fight against GBV isn’t just about awareness, it’s about action. Let’s amplify the voices of survivors and create data driven narratives that demand change. The question isn’t if we can end GBV; it’s whether we are ready to use every tool at our disposal to do so. Together, we can turn raw data into powerful stories that spark change. And when we do, we’ll not only make noise, we’ll make history. ??

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