The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission held a breakfast meeting today to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV).  The Guest of Honour at the event was Hon. Senator Chief Ndlovu, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Thematic Committee on Gender and Development. Other guests included Ireland Ambassador to South Africa and Zimbabwe, HE Fionnuala Gilsenan, Members of Parliament, Commissioners of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Commissioners from other Independent Commissions, Government officials, Development partners, Civil Society Organisations, the media among others.  The NPRC took the opportunity to launch the NPRC Gender and Inclusion Policy and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Handling and Supporting Victims of Conflict Related GBV.  Acting Chairperson, Commissioner Lilian Chigwedere gave the opening remarks and UN Women Country Representative, Delphine Serumaga addressed the gathering pledging to continue to support the NPRC in its efforts in tackling GBV related conflicts.  UN Women indicated that they were in the process of seconding a Gender Advisor for the Commission. Ambassador Gilsenan applauded the NPRC for launching the two important documents and urged the Commission to implement them. She said that the Policy shows strong commitment to inclusion and tackling GBV related conflict. She urged all the independent Commissions to work together to end GBV.

NPRC Victim Support, Gender and Diversity General Manager, Egnes Nhengo gave an overview of the NPRC Gender Policy and the SOPs and unpacked pertinent issues from the two documents.

A Panel Discussion was also another big highlight of the day. The panel was made up of Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) representative, Commissioner Tinashe Makuyana, Zimbabwe Media Commissioner, Professor Ruby Magosvongwe, Zimbabwe Gender Commission, Commissioner Mercy Nyangulu, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Commissioner Rodney Kiwa and Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe representative Sithabile Dewa. The topic for the Panel Discussion was; “Strengthening Response Mechanisms in dealing with Electoral Conflict Related to GBV. Ms Sally Ncube of Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe moderated the discussion.

The Chairperson of the Thematic Committee on Victim Support, Gender and Diversity, Commissioner Nomaqhawe Gwere gave a Vote of thanks and closing remarks.