First Lady’s call centre makes giant strides in fighting GBV
THE National Gender-based violence call centre 575 founded by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa remains resolute in cultivating peace through the elimination of factors like drug abuse and lack of communication which fuel violence amongst couples.
This comes at a time the country is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual global campaign led by UN Women.
It runs every year from November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10.
In 2021, Amai Mnangagwa launched a national call centre in her office, providing gender-based violence (GBV) victims and survivors with a solid care package, working with relevant organisations and departments.
Through the helpline, the mother of the nation is playing a significant role in curbing domestic violence.
In addition, she has traversed the length and breadth of the country speaking out against GBV while encouraging victims to report such cases and also utilise the toll free line 575.
The advent of the national gender based violence call centre is part of the First Lady’s solutions-based approach and has helped to reduce domestic violence cases countrywide.
She has been discouraging people from using violence to settle matters, saying all forms of GBV are abominable and must be condemned.
The First Lady at times personally attends to callers, giving them advice and counselling services.
She also empowers victims with income generating projects so that they become self reliant.
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