Wenslus Murape
Tafara Chibanda
THE Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has raised concerns and urged recommendations to build resilience and promote sustainable development through gender equality.
This was revealed by ZGC Chairperson Commissioner Margaret Makuhanana-Sangarwe ahead of a conference in Gwanda, Matabeleland South on September 13, focusing on the theme “Gender, Environment, and Climate Change: Building Resilience and Sustainable Development through Gender Equality.”
Mukahanana-Sangarwe said the forum focuses on environmental and climate change challenges and understand their gendered impacts.
“The 2024 National Gender Forum will be critical in advancing gender equality on a national scale.
“Gwanda has been chosen as this year’s host due to its unique climate challenges, particularly the impacts of the El Niño-induced drought,” Mukahanana-Sangarwe stated.
She said the forum will aim to address the intersection of gender issues with environmental challenges, highlighting how climate change exacerbates existing inequalities.
“Women, particularly in Zimbabwe, face heightened challenges due to their roles in managing resources and the impacts of climate change.
“Key objectives for the forum include mapping environmental and climate change challenges specific to Zimbabwe, examining the gendered impacts of these issues, and developing recommendations for promoting resilience and sustainable development through gender equality.
“Participants will include community members from Gwanda, representatives from various provinces, government ministries, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, and media representatives.
“The continued support of the media is invaluable for advancing gender equality and addressing these pressing climate challenges,” Mukahanana-Sangarwe remarked.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s focus on rotating the National Gender Forum across all ten provinces aligns with the government’s devolution drive, ensuring that every region engages in discussions about national gender issues.
Online Reporter