Online Reporter
Anotida Chonzi and Belindah Chikandiwa
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, pledging to work closely with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Speaking at the anniversary in Harare yesterday, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa emphasised the importance of collaboration and accountability in advancing gender equality.
“My ministry pledges to work and support you as you deliver this constitutional mandate,” she said.
“We want to work strongly with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission on key areas, including identification of legislative gaps, increasing women’s representation, and ensuring accountability for the implementation of gender-related laws and policies.”
She highlighted the Government’s efforts to promote gender equality, including the establishment of ZGC, the Women’s Development Fund, and initiatives to increase women’s participation in decision-making positions.
“We want to continue to strengthen the women of this country, to make sure that they also play their role in export programmes and that all institutions in the country work with the women,” she said.
ZGC has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality and women’s rights in Zimbabwe, conducting research, investigations, and awareness-raising activities.
The Commission’s work has been instrumental in shaping legislative reforms and holding institutions accountable for their actions.
As the ZGC celebrates its 10th anniversary, the government has pledged to continue supporting its work and ensuring that gender equality remains a priority on the national agenda.
“Your achievements over the past decade have laid a solid foundation, that will empower you to do more.”
Minister of State Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa said that gender remains a key national priority.
“In alignment with this, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), emphasizes inclusive role, recognising gender as a cross-cultural issue, critical to sustainable development,” he said.
Speaking at the event, ZGC Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe said ZGC’s work is guided by its mandate to monitor compliance with gender equality provisions in the Constitution.
She said that as the organisation looks to the future, it remains dedicated to driving meaningful change and promoting gender equality in Zimbabwe.
“During the nationwide consultations on drafting our national Constitution in 2013, one view emerged consistently, the growing need for an independent institution dedicated to addressing gender-related issues, this widespread call led to the establishment of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission.”
