UN Resident Coordinator Bishow Parajuli said the programme is aimed at tackling the scourge of gender based violence.

“The initiative tackles head-on sexual gender based violence by paving the way for women and girls to have a ‘voice’, ‘choice’ and ‘control’ over their lives, particularly their ability to make decisions, pursue education, provide for themselves and their families and actively participate in their community,” said Parajuli.

In a speech read on his behalf by Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said his government was committed to eliminating gender based violence in communities.

“Violence against women and girls often go unreported and are usually concealed within families. My government is committed through the Spotlight Initiative to put in place measures that will unmask the challenge and enable policy makers to realise that the issue has negative impact on Gross Domestic Product and national development that needs to be dealt with swiftly,” said Mnangagwa.

Women Affairs Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said government’s Vision 2030 will not be realised if the elimination of violence against women and girls is not embraced as a key enabler.