Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
THE Zimbabwe Gender Commission yesterday launched its annual Provincial Gender Forum in Matabeleland North where stakeholders called for swift interventions in addressing the impacts of climate change and the environment being exacerbated by mining activities taking place in the province.
Participants at the edition held in Hwange on Tuesday bemoaned the disproportionate gender impact caused by climate change and called for proactive responses.
Artisanal mining in Bubi and coal mining in Hwange have been cited as contributing to environmental degradation, which has largely affected women and children.
“We have a serious challenge of artisanal mining in Bubi, which is causing massive land degradation that becomes hazardous to people and livestock as they leave gaping holes.
“In some areas, infrastructure such as roads and buildings are in danger of caving in due to unregulated artisanal mining. Something must be done quickly to avert disaster,” said one participant from the floor.
Another participant from Hwange lamented the impact of the increase in coal mining close to communities, arguing that it was causing serious water, noise and air pollution forcing women to walk long distances to access alternative water sources.
“Climate change has resulted in the drought that is forcing people to venture into illegal brick-making and charcoal production to eke out a living,” said another participant.
A Forestry Commission officer, Mrs Obedience Maganda, who was in a panel discussing the environment and climate change landscape, said they were seized with the issue of the illegal cutting down of trees for charcoal business and urged communities to plant fruit trees.
An Agritex officer said while climate change has a serious impact on agriculture, the department continues to advocate for the planting of drought-resistant crops such as millet and sorghum.
“Women are critical to agriculture and food security in Zimbabwe. Climate change affects crop yields, livestock productivity, and food availability, placing additional burdens on women,” said the official.
In her opening remarks, Zimbabwe Gender Commission chairperson, Mrs Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, said the provincial gender forums were being held on the back of climate-induced drought and serious environmental degradation caused by illegal activities.
“We note worrying environmental and climate change challenges ranging from environmental degradation due to illegal and irresponsible mining activities, water, land and air pollution, mounting water and sanitation challenges and wetlands disruption, among many other challenges,” she said.
Comm Sangarwe said women continued to bear the brunt of climate change with the drought threatening livelihoods and women empowerment achievements.
Societal norms and expectations were cited as limiting women’s ability to adapt to climate change, as they may be restricted from participating in decision-making processes or accessing resources.
Comm Sangarwe said gender-sensitive policies and programmes were essential in addressing the gender-environment-climate change nexus in Zimbabwe.
This year’s edition of the Provincial Gender Forum is being held under the theme “Gender, Environment and Climate Change: Building Resilience and Sustainable Development through Gender Equality”.
The Provincial Gender Forums are being held across the country as a build-up to the National Gender Forum, set for Gwanda on September 13.
Online Reporter