Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
CABINET has approved the National Gender Policy (2025), which seeks to advance gender equality and empower women across Zimbabwe.
The policy recognises the diverse needs of various groups and seeks to dismantle entrenched stereotypes and prejudices surrounding gender roles.
It is rooted in a framework of regional, continental and global treaties that advocate for gender equality alongside the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender, disability and marital status.
Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere outlined the primary objectives of the policy, which include promoting gender equity in all sectors, establishing national priorities and providing a framework for gender mainstreaming.
“Cabinet considered and approved the proposed National Gender Policy,” said Dr Muswere. “The National Gender Policy (2025) aims to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe, recognising the diversity of different groups and the need to address stereotypes and prejudices about gender roles.”
He said the policy is informed by regional, continental and global legal frameworks and conventions that promote gender equality, as well as the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender, disability and marital status.
“The Policy’s objectives are to promote gender equality and equity in all sectors, set national priorities, provide a guiding framework for gender mainstreaming and strengthen co-ordinated planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of gender-related programmes,” said Dr Muswere. “The Policy is guided by the following principles: promoting equality and non-discrimination; leaving no one behind; doing no harm; inclusion of persons living with disabilities; respecting non-harmful customary, cultural and religious practices; involving males; and ensuring accountability.”
The Government aims to enhance coordinated planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of gender-related initiatives.
Key principles guiding the policy include promoting equality, ensuring no one is left behind and upholding the rights of persons with disabilities.
“The policy identifies and prioritises 10 Policy Goals as follows: Legal Justice and Constitutional Rights; Gender Balanced Leadership and Decision-Making; Equitable and Inclusive Economic Empowerment; Equal Access to Clean and Sustainable Energy;
“Gender Responsive Health and Pandemic Resilience; Equal Access to Education, Innovation and Skills Development; Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response; Gender Responsive Climate Action and Resilience; Gender and Disability. “Equal Access to Information, Media, Information and Digital Technologies. Each goal is underpinned by a situational analysis of existing gender issues and gaps, the objective to be attained and the strategies to promote attainment.
“The above priority areas are considered as catalysts in the achievement of gender equity and women’s empowerment. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission will monitor implementation of the Policy and take necessary actions to enable the attainment of gender equality,” said Dr Muswere.
