Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
THE Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development in partnership with UNDP and other stakeholders, has launched the Equanomics project, a significant step towards addressing gender disparities through fiscal policy reform.
This initiative underscores the critical role that fiscal policies play in promoting gender equality and aims to reshape how tax systems and public spending can support women’s empowerment.
The Equanomics project is a global UNDP initiative that aims to contribute to addressing equality issues in participating countries, including Zimbabwe.
It seeks to reconceptualise fiscal policy as an instrument for advancing social equity through tax, fiscal policy and public financial management reforms that contribute to reducing women’s poverty, eliminating economic discrimination and aligning public spending with gender equality goals.
In her address in Bulawayo last Wednesday, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said achieving gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 requires substantive reforms in economic structures.
She said that while taxation and fiscal policies can perpetuate inequalities and reinforce traditional gender norms, they also hold the potential to be transformative tools for advancing gender equality and reshaping power dynamics within society.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to UNDP and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and all of you for your tireless efforts in amplifying the voices of women in macroeconomic policy development,” said Sen Mutsvangwa.
“Your dedication to building a socially just society is truly commendable and inspiring. Today marks yet another milestone in our collective journey towards inclusivity and economic justice.
“The Equanomics initiative is a remarkable advancement and I believe it will significantly benefit my Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion in our endeavours to achieve Gender Responsive Budgeting within the Government.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said by focusing on gender-responsive fiscal policies, the initiative will empower women and promote equitable economic opportunities across all sectors.
This project is coming at a pivotal moment when Zimbabwe is actively seeking pathways to more inclusive economic growth that does not leave anyone behind, particularly women.
It is a remarkable step towards fostering inclusive economic policies that recognise and address the unique challenges faced by women, especially those who are domestic workers and those operating within the informal sector.
“My ministry fully recognises that our fiscal policies are not yet gender-responsive. The reality we face today is that our tax systems often inadvertently perpetuate gender inequalities, placing disproportionate burdens on women, particularly those engaged in informal sector activities and care work,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said women were the backbone of the country’s economy as they contribute immensely to its growth through their labour, both paid and unpaid yet they continue to be disproportionately affected by tax policies that do not adequately consider gender disparities.
“It is imperative that we acknowledge this reality and work collaboratively to redesign our tax systems in a manner that promotes equity and justice,” said Senator Mutsvangwa.
In his remarks, UNDP Resident Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Ayodele Odusola represented by Deputy Resident Representative Lealem Berhanu Dinku said investing in gender equality is not only a question of justice but a question of great economics.
“When women and girls possess equitable access to resources, education, healthcare and decision-making authority, entire communities prosper, gross domestic product experiences growth, poverty diminishes and resilience strengthens.
“Today, we convene to address a harsh reality: despite progress made in advancing human development, entrenched economic disparities endure, disproportionately affecting women, girls and other disadvantaged groups.
“Fiscal policies, which are fundamental to national budgets, frequently unintentionally exacerbate these inequities. When approached from a gender perspective, they possess the potential to end barriers, redistribute opportunities and create inclusive economies,” said Dr Odusola.
He said public spending systems globally remain inadequate in addressing the distinct requirements of women, men, boys and girls.
Dr Odusola said gender-neutral fiscal policies frequently sustain structural inequities, constraining the transformational capacity of public finance.
“Equanomics also recognises the importance of evidence-based, inclusive and gender-sensitive economic governance systems as well as the criticality of bringing together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, encompassing financial ministries and grassroots champions, to collaboratively develop inclusive policies,” he said. — @SikhulekelaniM1.
