New Centre for Survivors of Gender Based Violence established in Murewa

Survivors of Gender Based Violence within Murewa and beyond are set to benefit from the newly established one stop centre at Rozaria Memorial Trust (RMT).

The Centre based at Magaya village is the first in Mashonaland East and will provide comprehensive care services to the victims.

The one stop Centre will see survivors receive psycho-social and legal services.

Speaking at the handover ceremony RMT Director who is also African Union Goodwill Ambassador Dr. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda said the road has been tough but very fulfilling.

“It’s tough walking the talk, yet its fulfilling. Our Rozaria Centre is deep in rural Murewa, bringing skills, information and technology to mostly girls and young women.

“This is not for Murewa it is for Zimbabwe. We want to show that rural is not sub-standard but we want to motivate young girls and young mothers. This is a wholly owned centre.” Said Gumbonzvanda

The centre consist of an administration block, shelter for victims and a counselling room known as nhanga (room for girls).

According to Gumbonzvanda the nhanga offers the Zimbabwe culture where girls would receive healing and also get conversations going.

“The nhanga offers that opportunity where conversation with girls begins it also creates linkages between communities” said the AU Goodwill Ambassador.

Gender Based violence has been recognized as a serious global health, human rights and developmental issue worldwide.

Lack of integrated medical-legal services and community ownership of services has been identified as a challenge in addressing GBV coupled with the fact that there are few programmes that provide integrated care for survivors of GBV in Zimbabwe

Named after Nyaradzayi’s mother, the Rozaria Memorial trust provides for care of survivors and was established in 2010.

The centre was constructed with the help of the Japanese embassy and was officially opened by the Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe Toshiyuki Iwado.