Zimbabwe

Telephone helpline for young survivors of sexual and domestic violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is widespread in Zimbabwe,with young women particularly affected. One in three young people will be abused before they turn 18. Weak healthcare and legal systems often prevent justice being done and prevent comprehensive support reaching those affected. Together with our local partner organisation Childline Zimbabwe, we provide a free hotline for immediate help and prevention.

Hear from the people on the ground

“I became pregnant unintentionally at the age of 15. My family and I received counselling and support. I learned to talk about my feelings at a self-help group for young mothers ...”
Portrait junge Mutter mit Baby - Simbabwe - terre des hommes schweiz

Smilo Nkala
(name changed)
17 years old

Background

In Zimbabwe, over 22,000 people die every year as a result of HIV/Aids. Less than half of young Zimbabweans know how to protect themselves against HIV. In Bulawayo, which has a population of 700,000, HIV prevalence is 18%, higher than the national average of 15%. Many girls and women have insufficient knowledge about HIV prevention and treatment. A lack of sex education in schools and cultural norms make it difficult to access important health information and services. Gender-based violence (GBV) is also a problem that prevents girls and women from protecting themselves and accessing the necessary health services.

Project goals

The aim is to offer young people who have been victims of gender-based violence (GBV) fast and professional help through our telephone hotline.

Telefon Helpline für Jugendliche - Simbabwe - terre des hommes schweiz

Project activities

  • Free hotline. We offer a free hotline that is available around the clock for children and young people to report abuse or seek help. Young people also receive support with suicidal thoughts, mental health problems and drug abuse. There is a center in Bulawayo where people affected can seek help in person. Around 700 cases are treated there every year.
  • Selbsthilfegruppen: Wir fördern die Gründung von Selbsthilfegruppen für junge Menschen, damit sie sich gegenseitig unterstützen, voneinander lernen und gemeinsam Lösungen für ihre Herausforderungen finden können.
  • Family relationships. We promote positive family relationships and give out handbooks to parents that cover various aspects of positive parenting, including talking to teens about sexual health.
  • Coming together for young people. We work closely with community members, schools and other institutions to raise awareness of young people’s rights.
Beratung einer jungen Frau in einem Gesundheitszentrum - terre des hommes schweiz
Professionelle Beratung: Junge Mütter sind besonders vulnerabel und brauchen Unterstützung. Foto: Seb Daines

Beneficiaries

In the the past project phase, 4,000 young people, family members and community members benefitted from our work.

Project location and phase

Bulawayo, located in the southwest of the country, is the second largest city in Zimbabwe. The current project phase covers the years 2024–2026 with an annual budget of CHF 86,250.

Our partner organisation

The organisation Childline was founded in the United Kingdom in 1986.Since then similar structures have been established worldwide. Childline Zimbabwe was founded in 1996 and is an autonomous organisation, independent of other Childline organisations. terre des hommes schweiz has been supporting Childline Zimbabwe since 2024.