‘More needs to be done to address gender disparities’

Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected] 

OVER the years, Zimbabwe has witnessed several women rise to positions of decision-making at the workplace in line with global gender equality and equity ideals that the country is a signatory to.

Government has made significant strides in addressing gender disparities that were disproportionately relegating women during colonial rule.

This comes at a time when the country joins the world in celebrating Workers’ Day amid fresh calls to end sexual harassment at the workplace.

The scourge remains a major hindrance to women’s efforts to achieve their full potential at the workplace. 

Zimbabwe Gender Commission chairperson, Mrs Virginia Muwanigwa said a lot of work needs to be done to ensure gender equality becomes a reality at the workplace. 

“Indeed, there have been some changes at the workplace in terms of gender equality and equity but we should avoid complacency because it is a work in progress. While we are seeing more women getting into positions of decision-making, making it to company boards, institutional boards and other decision-making structures, the numbers are still lower than what we envisage,” she said. 

Mrs Muwanigwa said some of the gaps that need to be addressed at the workplace are issues around a conducive environment through the adoption of not only policies but also ensuring that the organisational structures work to outlaw sexual harassment or abuse. 

“Sexual harassment is quite a big challenge at the workplace hence many women are forced to quit their jobs resulting in companies or institutions losing qualified personnel,” she said. 

Mrs Muwanigwa said the amendment of some sections of the Labour Act to incorporate some sections of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention was very commendable. 

She said one of the incorporated sections of the ILO Convention recognises the right of everyone to a world of work that is free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

Mrs Muwanigwa said this section of the the Convention was adopted in June 2019 by the ILO International Labour Conference and came into force on June 25, 2021.

“As a Commission, we believe there is a need for a stand alone Act to address sexual harassment at the workplace. We have recognised the ILO Convention on violence and harassment in the world of work so we should strive to ensure that our workplaces, be it formal, or informal, are free from violence and harassment while at the same time workers are paid decent wages,” said Mrs Muwanigwa.

She said sexual harassment also affects men hence the need to ensure that work spaces are free from any forms of abuse. 

Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) executive director, Mrs Permanent Ngoma said the Workers’ Day is an opportunity for women to highlight their contributions and challenges they face at the workplace.

“Looking at the Zimbabwean environment, I can say women have made progress in improving their working environment but there are gaps that need to be addressed. Over the years there has been improvement in women’s access to education and job opportunities,” she said.

Ms Ngoma said some women have been appointed or promoted to powerful positions of influence. 

“We however, still have gender disparities, particularly when it comes to representation and leadership roles. Societal expectations often place a greater burden on women who have to balance between work and family responsibilities thereby limiting their career advancement and opportunities for professional growth,” she said.

Ms Ngoma said other barriers include limited access to financial and other resources, especially for women in business.

She said discriminatory practices in the hiring and promotion of women are also prevalent.

“The policies are there but there seems to be lack of support in terms of implementation of those policies. To address these gaps, there is a need to promote gender equality and create an inclusive and supportive environment for women at the workplace,” she said. 

Mrs Ngoma said there was also a need to raise awareness through educational programmes that challenge gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. 

“There’s a need to provide resources for women in entrepreneurship, provide work-life balance initiatives and also implement family-friendly policies to empower women. Companies or institutions should come up with flexible working arrangements, parental leave and affordable childcare options to support women in managing their work life. This will help motivate women to keep their jobs thereby helping companies or institutions to retain skilled workers,” she said.

Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association director Mr Michael Ndiweni said opportunities within the informal sector should be availed to women since they are a majority. 

“For example there are opportunities around access to low-cost housing so financial institutions should come up with special packages for the informal sector,” he said.

Mr Ndiweni said the informal sector should also access medical aid.

He said although the association has its own low-cost health insurance, the facility does not address all their needs.

“As we talk about the Workers Day, we need to also discuss the issue of pension for the informal sector.

When people can’t go to the market, they need to get something just like those who are formally employed when they retire,” said Mr Ndiweni.

He said Government through the National Social Security Authority (Nssa ) should come up with a special pension package for the informal sector.