Reflections and Rethinking Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities in Gweru, Zimbabwe

Gender-based violence has become a pervasive feature in all Zimbabwean societies in general and Gweru urban in particular. The study was enthused by the rising statistics of gender-based violence in Gweru, and this has been exacerbated by a myriad of factors ranging from negative societal norms, culture, and socialization. The study sought to (1) examine the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) against women with disabilities, (2) analyze the drivers of violence against women with disabilities; (3) assess the impact of gender-based violence on women and to ascertain the forms of violence perpetrated against women with disabilities. A qualitative approach was adopted to study a purposive sample of 40 participants through unstructured interviews and focus group discussions. The study found that the scourge of gender-based violence was driven by a culture patriarchy, negative societal norms, lack of empowerment of women, and fear of victimization. The forms of violence ranged from physical assaults, sexual violence, psychological violence, and neglect. Gender-based violence has debilitating effects on the general wellbeing of victims. The study recommends disability mainstreaming so that concerns and interests of people living with disabilities are considered in policy formulation, empowerment, and inclusion of women and girls living with disability, provision of information in disability-sensitive formats, making reporting processes user friendly and a change in societal attitudes regarding disability. Policy makers, people living with disabilities, civil society, and the populace in general are expected to benefit from this study.