Govt pledges support for women’s empowerment

Sunday Mail Correspondent

The GOVERNMENT has once again underlined its commitment to advancing women’s rights, empowerment and gender equality following the WomenNOW! 2023 Summit.

The meeting — which brought together activists, experts and stakeholders, and ran from November 30 to December 2 in Victoria Falls — served as a catalyst for dialogue and action to address key human rights concerns faced by women and girls.

Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the Government has taken significant steps to promote gender equality and empower women, recognising the crucial role they play in the country’s development.

The Government has implemented policies and initiatives aimed at addressing gender disparities and fostering an inclusive society.

One of the notable achievements was the enactment of the Gender Commission Act in 2015.

This legislation established the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, an independent body tasked with promoting gender equality, investigating gender-related complaints, and providing recommendations for policy and legal reforms.

The commission has played a vital role in advocating women’s rights and ensuring their voices are heard.

In addition, the Government has implemented various programmes to support women’s economic empowerment.

The Women Development Fund, launched in 2018, provides financial assistance to women entrepreneurs and small business owners, enabling them to access capital and expand their businesses.

The fund also offers training and mentorship programmes, equipping women with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavours.

The authorities have also prioritised women’s health and well-being.

Efforts to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, have been instrumental in addressing women’s unique health needs.

Initiatives such as the National Health Strategy for Women and Girls, and the provision of free maternal healthcare have contributed to reducing maternal mortality rates and improving overall reproductive health outcomes.

Education is another area where Government has demonstrated its commitment to women’s empowerment.

By implementing policies that promote equal access to education, Government has sought to eliminate gender disparities in schooling.

Efforts have been made to increase the enrolment of girls in schools, and provide scholarships and educational support.

The WomenNOW! Summit 2023 provided an opportune moment for the Government to showcase its commitment to women’s rights and gender equality.

Government representatives actively participated in panel discussions, workshops and dialogues, engaging with participants from diverse backgrounds.

This active involvement demonstrates Government’s willingness to listen, learn and collaborate with civil society organisations and activists in addressing the challenges faced by women and girls.

Furthermore, the Government’s support for the summit underscored its recognition of the importance of such platforms in driving positive change.