At just 14 years old, Anyway Kamuriko from Murombedzi in Zvimba, Zimbabwe, fell pregnant and became trapped in an abusive relationship. For years, she suffered in silence, as is common in many rural communities where gender-based violence (GBV) is often hidden.
Now 20, Kamuriko is among a growing number of rural women speaking out against GBV. 'They told us to keep quiet, but we refused,' she said, highlighting the shift toward breaking the culture of silence.
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, nearly 1 in 3 women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence since age 15. Rural women face additional barriers to reporting, including limited access to support services and fear of stigma.
Local organizations, such as the Musasa Project, provide counseling and legal aid to survivors. Kamuriko's story reflects a broader movement in Zimbabwe to address GBV through community dialogues and awareness campaigns.
