ZIMBABWE loses approximately US$1,36 billion each year due to gender-based violence (GBV), according to preliminary findings of a study conducted by the World Bank in partnership with the government and New York University.
The revelation has prompted renewed calls from authorities for stronger preventive measures, increased investment in women and girls and better use of research in policy-making.
The study estimates that GBV costs Zimbabwe the equivalent of 3,87% of its gross domestic product (GDP) annually.
Presenting the findings in Harare on Tuesday, Abhilasha Sahay of the World Bank broke down the figures to illustrate the scale of the economic toll.
“The next slide will show you the actual preliminary findings.
“This study found that the cost of GBV is equivalent to 3,87% of GDP in Zimbabwe annually. What does that mean? That means US$1,36 billion every year,” Sahay said.
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“I will just pause there for a
moment to let that sink in. We will break it down for you to see what that US$1, 36 billion consists of.”
The breakdown reveals significant costs across several sectors.
The health sector bears US$18,6 million annually, while the justice and social services sectors also incur substantial expenses.
Together, these frontline response services account for about 4,1% of the total economic impact.
However, the largest economic losses stem from reduced productivity on the labour market, which amounts to US$138,3 million each year.
Even more staggering are the intangible and intergenerational costs, estimated at nearly US$745 million annually — roughly 2,2% of GDP.
“People might leave their jobs or be fired because they are not being productive.
“This leads to increased recruitment and training costs for organisations. You see a massive impact when it comes to productivity,” Sahay added.
“The intangible and intergenerational costs represent the monetised value of pain, suffering, psychological distress, the risk of premature mortality and reduced quality of life for GBV survivors.”
The study found that nearly one in three women in Zimbabwe experience some form of violence in their lifetime.
Researchers drew on national surveys, police and health records, and service provider data, while also adjusting for significant under-reporting.
“An estimated 60% to 70% of cases go unreported due to stigma, fear and the availability and accessibility of services,” Sahay noted.
“Another challenge is the standardisation of data collection systems across sectors. Different sectors gather information, but they may use slightly different definitions.
“There are also disparities between urban and rural data collection, and challenges in monetising the psychological impact and quality of life losses.”
Children who grow up in violent households often perform poorly in school, drop out early and earn less in adulthood, contributing to the cycle of intergenerational economic losses.
Speaking at the event, Women Affairs minister Monica Mutsvangwa called for a dedicated platform to review the results with technical stakeholders.
“The cost of GBV findings clearly identify the major cost drivers, including health, policing, justice and productivity losses,” she said.
“This critical evidence will directly inform the development of Zimbabwe’s investment case and financing models — two important advocacy tools for influencing financial investments and strengthening domestic resource mobilisation.
“This is an imperative priority in the face of declining donor funding, including for GBV prevention and response programmes.”
Officials noted that period poverty remains a serious challenge, with many schoolgirls lacking access to sanitary products and accurate information.