Harare – Zimbabwe has signed the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, marking what government officials describe as a significant milestone in the protection and advancement of women’s rights.

The signing ceremony, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 27, 2026, was reported to Cabinet by Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.

“This demonstrates Zimbabwe’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls as well as strengthening the continental response to gender-based violence,” the Cabinet briefing stated.

The African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG) is a landmark continental legal instrument designed to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls across Africa.

Adopted by the African Union, the Convention provides a comprehensive framework for Member States to strengthen prevention, protection, response, access to justice and survivor-centred services while addressing the root causes of gender-based violence.

Zimbabwe’s signing comes amid concerning domestic statistics on gender-based violence. The country recorded 7,061 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases during the first quarter of 2026 alone, with 1,559 rape cases and 1,364 statutory rape cases reported.

A World Bank economic assessment estimates that gender-based violence costs Zimbabwe US$1.36 billion annually – 3.87% of the country’s GDP. According to data from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 33.5% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced intimate partner violence.

Following the signing, the next stage entails fulfilment of domestic legal and constitutional processes to ratify the Convention and thereafter deposit the Instruments of Ratification. The Convention will come into force once fifteen Member States have deposited their Instruments of Ratification.

The signing aligns with President Mnangagwa’s stated commitment to the elimination of gender-based violence and the advancement of women and girls across the continent.