Impact stories from Commitment Makers: YES TRUST Zimbabwe

Photo credit: YES Trust Zimbabwe
 

Impact Stories from Generation Equality Commitment Makers Working in the Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence in ESAR: YES TRUST Zimbabwe

Empowering Communities to end GBV: YES Trust's Lasting Impact in Zimbabwe: YES Trust Zimbabwe, a youth-led organization and AC GBV leader, has made significant strides in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Bulilima District through its EU-funded Spotlight Initiative Pillar 6 Movement Building Project. Running from 2020 to 2022, the project aimed to foster community-driven solutions for GBV prevention. Although the formal project ended in 2022, YES Trust's efforts have continued, demonstrating the organization's commitment to long-lasting social change despite limited resources.

Central to YES Trust’s approach was the integration of the HeForShe strategy, which engaged men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms, particularly toxic masculinities. This approach became a core component of the organization's GBV programming, focusing on building local capacity for GBV prevention and promoting accountability. The result was a notable shift in community attitudes, with more people becoming involved in the movement and a marked increase in the reporting of GBV cases.

One of the key outcomes was the increased use of the One Stop Centre, where survivors of GBV could access integrated services such as health, legal, and psychosocial support. Additionally, the project garnered widespread support from local leaders, including traditional chiefs and religious figures, who became vocal advocates for gender equality and women's rights. The public pledges to actively support the movement against GBV has been instrumental in changing local attitudes, with many of these leaders becoming champions of gender equality and advocates for women’s and girls’ rights. The involvement of such influential figures has helped to strengthen community support systems and foster an environment where survivors of GBV feel safe coming forward for help.

The sustainability of the movement is one of the project’s most impressive outcomes and a testament to the power of community-driven approaches. Even after the formal project ended, local communities have continued to support and advance the movement, aided by the technical support provided by YES Trust. This grassroots momentum demonstrates the effectiveness of community-driven approaches to GBV prevention and highlights the effectiveness of local ownership in ensuring the longevity of GBV prevention efforts.

YES Trust's work in Bulilima has become an important case study in GBV prevention. Through its collaboration with UN Women and support from the Government of Catalonia, YES Trust is sharing its impact and lessons learned with a global audience. The organization aims to inspire other groups to adopt similar community-centered models and contribute to a broader, collaborative effort to end violence against women and girls. YES Trust’s ability to sustain and grow the movement, even with limited resources, underscores the potential for scalable and adaptable solutions in the fight against GBV worldwide.