Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE Government has expressed concern over the widening gender gap in the teaching profession, after only 11 percent of the students who graduated from Marymount Teachers’ College were male.
Addressing guests and graduates at the institution’s 2025 graduation ceremony, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr Frederick Shava said the sharp imbalance requires urgent attention.
Dr Shava was represented by the chief director in the ministry, Dr Willie Davison Ganda.
“We are witnessing the graduation of 372 students. Of these, 41 are male, representing 11 percent, while 331 are female, accounting for 89 percent.
This gender disparity within teacher-training and human capital development is worrying and calls for strategic intervention,” said Minister Shava.
However, he applauded Marymount Teachers College for its continued excellence in science education and contribution to national development goals. Among the graduating cohort were 38 STEM teachers, with improved male representation in this category – 18 males and 20 females.
“Marymount Teachers College continues to produce educators who are passionate about STEM fields. Their leadership, grounded in our heritage, will ignite innovation in agriculture and technology, embedding creativity and local relevance in every lesson,” he said.
Marymount principal, Mr Martin Mukwazhe praised the graduates and said the institution is committed to increasing male participation without compromising academic excellence.
He added that the college will continue strengthening partnerships with industry and expanding STEM facilities to align with Zimbabwe’s development priorities.
“Marymount Teachers’ College has been a leading hub for teacher training in Manicaland, producing educators who serve both rural and urban communities nationwide and we will continue to be that hub,” he said.
Online Reporter