Tendai Gukutikwa-Mutare Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Gender Commission has called for gender equality to become a central pillar of national development, warning that persistent inequalities continue to undermine economic participation, social justice and inclusive growth.
Addressing the Commission’s Strategic Plan Review Workshop in Mutare yesterday, ZGC chairperson Dr Leslie Ncube said the body must measure its performance through tangible improvements in citizens’ lives rather than by completed activities.
He noted that the Commission’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan aligns with National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, placing gender equality at the core of Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“Gender equality is not a peripheral social concern; it is central to inclusive development, social justice, economic participation and the realisation of the aspirations of President Mnangagwa of building a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society,” said Dr Ncube.
“Our task is not simply to review activities undertaken, but to establish whether our interventions are producing measurable results and advancing the Commission’s constitutional mandate,” he said.
Dr Ncube challenged the Commission to evaluate whether its programmes are translating constitutional provisions into practical gains, particularly in corporate governance, oversight, public education and the resolution of gender-related rights violations.
He stressed that gender audits, research, policy briefs, statistical reports and provincial and national forums must generate evidence to guide policy and enforce accountability.
Alongside targeted public education campaigns, he urged the Commission to expand women’s economic participation, access to opportunities and representation in decision-making processes.
On victim protection, Dr Ncube underscored the need for reliable reporting channels.
The Commission must maintain accessible and responsive mechanisms through which complaints are received, investigated and resolved,” he said.
