From Survivor to Advocate: Perpetua’s Journey of Empowerment and Healing Through the Spotlight Initiative

"Violence was the only language in my past marriages. I was counting the days until this one would end too," recalls Perpetua Nziramasanga, a survivor of three toxic marriages. Today, she believes the Spotlight Initiative programme is saving her fourth marriage from collapsing. Perpetua is one of the beneficiaries of the Spotlight Initiative GBV campaign in Hurungwe district, Mashonaland West province, Zimbabwe.

For years, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has been widespread in Hurungwe. Survivors often did not receive the justice they deserved due to a lack of legal and health services. To address these issues, UN Women Zimbabwe, in collaboration with Caritas, a community-based organization, rolled out the European Union-funded Spotlight Initiative. This program trains selected women and men on GBV, Gender Equality, and Women’s Empowerment.

Perpetua's journey of transformation began with these trainings. "After the Spotlight Initiative trainings on the effects of GBV in a family setup and community, and how to avoid confrontations, we have turned a new leaf. We are now living peacefully as a family and community," she shares.

Mirriam Mabasa, a Gender Champion in Hurungwe, worked closely with Perpetua. "Witnessing the profound transformation in families who once suffered from domestic violence fills me with immense hope. The journey from fear to empowerment is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of support and education," says Mirriam.

The Spotlight Initiative has empowered many like Perpetua. Trainees become gender champions and ambassadors, equipped with bicycles to reach survivors in remote areas. They run campaigns against GBV, provide counselling, and educate others on Gender Equality and GBV.

Perpetua, now a gender ambassador, uses her past experiences to teach her children and educate others on the dangers of GBV. "I am now a gender ambassador, and I can now teach my children and educate others on the dangers of GBV," she says. Enjoying her transformation, she now thrives as a productive and valuable member of her family and community.

The champions also provide referral pathways to survivors, linking them with legal, health, and psycho-social services. Survivors receive various skills training to help them cope and become self-reliant. Moreover, UN Women in Zimbabwe, through the Spotlight Initiative, strengthens the capacity of Caritas and service providers to deliver effective, survivor-centred GBV prevention and response services.

Perpetua's story is a beacon of hope, showing that healing and growth are possible for everyone with the right resources and community support.