Case for Support: Emthonjeni Women's Forum

Soneni is hurt… She’s afraid… She feels alone… Every month, EWF receives more than 200 cases of domestic abuse are reported in the Matabeleland and Bulawayo region. For survivors like Soneni, the nightmare often continues long after the physical and emotional scars are inflicted. Survivors live with the weight of shame and blame, often at the hands of their intimate partners. Emthonjeni Women’s Forum (EWF) is dedicated to implementing both preventive and responsive measures against gender-based violence (GBV) while addressing behaviour change gaps for survivors. Our mandate is to cultivate a gender-just society that is intolerant of GBV. To achieve this, we focus on four key areas: a) GBV prevention b) psycho-social support c) Economic Justice and sustainable livelihoods d) Research, Advocacy and Policy Development. Established in 2010, Emthonjeni meaning “at the well” serves as a beacon of hope and restoration, a community thirst-quenching-well that sustains life. We create a safe space for women to seek support without fear of stigma, assisting them to reclaim their lives and promote positive change within their communities. In 2024 EWF provided counselling services to 853 clients with the majority being provided with either medical assistance through the provision of payment of medical bills and a welfare fund. EWF also assisted 234 women to apply for Protection Orders of which 209 were granted by the courts. Of the 309 maintenance cases assisted, 261 orders were granted by the courts. About 300 clients were also referred to GBV services providers for either shelter, legal and or medical care. My name is Soneni Ncube*, and I live in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. For years, I silently endured physical abuse from my husband, Mqondisi Ncube*. I reached out to Emthonjeni Women’s Forum (EWF) after a friend recommended them. With EWF’s support, I applied for a protection order to protect myself and my children. This journey of healing was made possible by EWF’s dedication to helping women like me. With your support, EWF can prevent GBV, enhance women’s sustainable livelihoods, and women’s participation in decision making processes. Together, we can foster a future where women are free from GBV, and economically secure. To accomplish our goal of protecting women’s rights and ensuring sustainable livelihoods, your funding and support in cash and in kind will go a long way in ensuring EWFs sustainable growth and efficacy of programmes. *Not real names