Integrated Approach to Reducing Sexual Gender Based Violence in Mzilikazi, Bubi and Umugza Districts, Zimbabwe

Thabiso lost her mother when she was seven years old and had been living with her father and three siblings ever since. As the eldest sister, Thabiso has taken on the role of a mother and caregiver within the household. One day, her father sexually assaulted her and threatened her not to tell anyone, or else he would kick her out of the house.

Later, Thabiso confided in a friend, and the truth came to light. Her father was sentenced to life imprisonment. However, he was the sole breadwinner of the family, and after his incarceration, Thabiso and her three siblings were left without support, forcing her to drop out of school. Relatives blamed Thabiso for reporting her own father, leading to poverty and her siblings’ inability to continue their education. They took away her siblings while casting Thabiso out, leaving her alone in the bushes, struggling to find food and shelter. To survive, Thabiso resorted to theft and selling her body.

In her darkest times, Thabiso desperately needed support from peers. Though she was no longer attending school, she participated in the children’s group organised by the Trinity Project because it allowed her to see friends. The group facilitator recognised Thabiso’s intelligence and athletic talents. Later, when Thabiso fell ill, the facilitator discovered she had contracted a sexually transmitted infection, which disclosed her traumatic experiences. Through the coordination of the facilitator and the Trinity Project, Thabiso received assistance from government agencies and community members, received medical treatment, and was admitted to a children’s shelter. Being older than the other foster children, Thabiso once again took on the role of a caregiver within the shelter. Thabiso said, ‘I am enjoying this life because now I can attend school. This is the kind of life any child would hope for. Our past experiences do not fully determine the kind of person we are. It is more important to strive to realise our potential and achieve our dreams.’ Thabiso’s positive attitude in the face of adversity has inspired many, especially young people and children in the community who have experienced sexual abuse.

May God show mercy and grant wisdom to the Trinity Project, facilitating the reconciliation and reunification of Thabiso with her family. Through education and advocacy, may the number of cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse be reduced, allowing the children in the project’s community to grow up in an environment of love.