Reaching the Unreached

Diaries from Mobile One Stop Centre programme in Nyanga North District

By UNDP Zimbabwe Anesu Freddy

April 14^th, 2025

Day 0 – Why We’re Here

The journey starts tomorrow, but today is all about grounding ourselves in the why.

Yes, Government continues to bring national services to every corner, but some places — like Nyanga North in Zimbabwe's Manicaland Province — just can’t wait. Identified during the National Inquiry on Child Marriages as a hotspot for young brides and gender based violence, it’s one of those hard-to-reach places where the need is urgent, but access is scarce.

So, for the next 6 days, we’re here with the Mobile One Stop Centre. Bringing services that usually live far away — legal help, health care, birth & ID registration, counselling, child protection, economic empowerment — right to the people who need them most.

This isn’t just outreach. It’s a lifeline. Let’s go!

Day 1 - Mazarura: On the Edge

Today we set up in one of the most remote corners – where three districts meet but none really reach. No proper roads, no cell network, and the nearest police station is over 80km away. Just reporting a case of abuse would cost someone here at least $10 for transport. When you live on less than a dollar a day, that $10 might as well be $1,000.

About 200 people turned up to access different services. Small number by usual standards, but actually big, considering how hard it was to spread the word. No radio, no cell signal… even word of mouth came distorted.

The Ministry of Women's Affairs have identified a group of GBV survivors who have grouped to help themselves economically - looking forward to connecting them to additional economic empowerment support.

Long, dusty day. But so worth it.

Day 2 - Avilla: Power of a Piece of Paper

Civil registration is easily the busiest station at the Mobile One Stop Centre.

Today we heard story after story of grandmothers raising grandchildren alone. Parents gone — some for years — leaving little ones behind without even birth certificates.

Without a birth certificate or ID, kids can’t write exams, can’t pursue their sporting talent at a higher level, can’t access healthcare or any form of social support. And when you're invisible on paper, you become more vulnerable to abuse — no systems to fall back on, no safety net.

One of today’s highlights was a 21-year-old woman who managed to get her late father’s death certificate — a critical first step that unlocked her own birth certificate and national ID. Now, she can also get a birth certificate for her 1-year-old son. A whole family, finally seen by the system.

Another powerful moment stood out: a 71-year-old woman finally got her standard birth certificate — the first time since 1970, when she was issued the now-defunct short version - which was now lost. With this, she can now apply for a national ID and take part in national processes like voting. A lifetime of waiting, finally moved forward.

Getting documented isn’t just a service. It’s a shield.

Day 3 - Kazozo: The Little Girl Who Spoke Up

“Mai vangu vari kudyiwa nevaroyi muhozi - My mother is being eaten by witches ”

On her own accord, a 9 year old girl came in to report that she was having a hard time concentrating in class. On investigation, the Department of Social Development unravelled a case of emotional abuse, child abandonment, a child marriage, and absent birth certificates - all in one family.

The little girl got psychosocial support to help her cope with the traumatic misinformation.

With support from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit, the father was invited to help resolve the multiple social challenges.

A tough case to handle, but the many stakeholders that make up the Mobile One Stop Centre were able to begin working on solutions for the family.

*Update on case resolution to follow

Day 4 – Ruwangwe: The Chain of Abuse

One form of abuse rarely comes alone. Today reminded us how it often creates a chain — child marriage, emotional abuse, rejection from home, no birth certificate, medical challenges. It often links together.

A 15-year-old girl came in, pregnant, and wanting to go back to school. But there’s no safe place for her to stay. Her stepmother is hostile. Her maternal grandmother said she can’t care for both her and the baby. And the ‘mother-in-law’ is abusive. The only person she says she wants to live with is the father of her child — but he is in the capital, far from here, trying to earn a living.

She’s in pain — physically and emotionally.

A multi-stakeholder case conference was held immediately to look at all possible paths forward: legal, protection, psychosocial, health, rights, ethics. It’s not an easy case, but one best considered from all angles.

Day 5 - Katerere: Crowds, Conversations and a Cry for help

Wow! Huge turnout here at Katerere. Must be over 400 people here. Energy is high and need is clear.

Today’s men’s engagement forum stands out over all the other stops. Highest turnout of men and most participatory session so far!

But beneath the surface, there are emotional scars, physical wounds and long histories of silence. It is sad that here is where we witness the toughest, most violent case of domestic violence so far.

Each place we’ve visited has had its own distinct character of social ills — in Katerere, that character is shaped by a deep prevalence of domestic violence.

Day 6 - Kambudzi: The final push

The final stop of the Nyanga North programme.

It’s been a long, emotional, and demanding journey — and today was no different. Kambudzi brought more cases of child marriages to light, with three reported in just one day. Two of them came through anonymous tip-offs, a sign that the community is beginning to speak up — even if quietly.

There’s still so much to be done in this area. The numbers may just scratch the surface.

After 6 days, 6 locations, and over 1,300 cases attended to, every partner here is feeling the weight — tired feet, skipped lunches, late days. But the commitment never wavered. Every survivor was seen. Every voice mattered.

To all the partners who made this possible — thank you. Your dedication went beyond the call of duty.

Let’s carry this momentum forward.

Footnotes

With thanks to the Judith Neilson Foundation for bringing additional financial support to take Mobile One Stop Centres to hard-to-reach areas across Zimbabwe. Partners to the programme in Nyanga North includedMinistry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development; Ministry of Health and Child Care; Zimbabwe Gender Commission; Department of Social Development; Civil Registry Department; Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit; the National Prosecuting Authority; Legal Aid Directorate; Legal Resources Foundation; Zimbabwe Women's Lawyers Association; and Pamuhacha HIV/AIDS Prevention Project.