A new assessment reveals that gender-based violence in Zimbabwe costs the country $1.36 billion annually, severely impacting its economy and women's lives.
A recent economic analysis highlights how gender-based violence (GBV) is significantly affecting Zimbabwe's economy, estimating it incurs costs of US$1.36 billion each year, approximately 3.87% of the nation's GDP. This figure reflects not only the direct financial burdens such as hospital bills, court fees, and lost wages but also the deeper emotional trauma and shattered life ambitions experienced by countless women and girls.
The report features the story of Grace, a Zimbabwean girl who faced educational setbacks and personal tragedy due to GBV. Her narrative exemplifies the broader challenges facing many women in Zimbabwe, where gender inequality is compounded by societal violence, hindering their opportunities for a better future. This situation showcases the intersection of personal and economic impacts of GBV, underscoring the urgent need for societal and policy changes.
Conducted with support from the Centre on International Cooperation at New York University, the analysis employs a prevalence-based costing model, which aids in understanding the extensive repercussions of violence. By elevating the discussion of GBV's costs, the study calls attention to the dire need for interventions aimed at reducing violence and promoting gender equality, which are critical not only for individuals but for the country's economic health as well.
