Securico Urges Nationwide Stand Against Gender-Based Violence During 16 Days Campaign

Securico Security Services calls for national action against gender-based violence during the 16 Days of Activism (image source)

Harare — Securico Security Services has urged Zimbabweans to take an active role in combating gender-based violence (GBV), stressing that community vigilance and timely reporting are essential to creating safe, supportive environments for women and girls. The call comes during the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10, 2025, under the theme Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.

Speaking at the security firm’s 27th anniversary event, Securico chief director for Gender and Women Affairs, Lilian Matsika Takaendesa, said the fight against GBV must begin in homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods. She emphasised that true security extends beyond physical protection and depends on how people treat one another. She encouraged citizens to serve as “guardians of dignity” by supporting colleagues, neighbours and family members who may be at risk.

Securico raised concern over prevailing national trends, noting that physical violence affects an estimated 39.4% of women in Zimbabwe, while sexual violence stands at 11.6%. Takaendesa highlighted a rise in emotional, psychological, economic and digital forms of abuse, driven in part by the growing use of smartphones and social media platforms. She warned that online harassment, stalking and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images are emerging threats that require both corporate and community responses.

The company said it has developed an internal platform to promote dignity and safety across its operations and encouraged other businesses to adopt similar frameworks. With more than 900 female employees—making it one of Zimbabwe’s largest private-sector employers of women—Securico said it has a responsibility to lead by example. Takaendesa called for comprehensive workplace protections, survivor-friendly reporting systems and stronger partnerships with local support services to ensure victims receive timely medical, legal and psychosocial assistance.

Civil-society groups commended Securico’s stance but said broader systemic interventions are still needed. Advocates recommended expanding shelter access, tightening legal protections, enhancing digital literacy programmes and rolling out wide-reaching public-education campaigns to shift social norms that tolerate violence. Public-health experts urged government and community-based organisations to integrate GBV screening, counselling and referral pathways into routine health services. They also recommended specialised training for frontline workers such as health staff, police officers and social workers to ensure trauma-informed responses.

Securico said it will use its anniversary programming to launch staff training on GBV awareness and digital safety, while partnering with NGOs on community outreach. The company also pledged to review internal procedures to strengthen safeguards for employees who report abuse. As the 16 Days campaign continues, Securico reiterated that ending violence against women and girls requires both institutional leadership and everyday civic action, urging citizens to report abuse promptly and support survivors.