Online Reporter
Muchaneta Chimuka
THE Government — through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI) — has launched the country’s first audit report on Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) responsiveness in education policies, circulars and programmes.
Speaking at the launch, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Angeline Gata said the report provides evidence-based findings that will strengthen gender equality and social inclusion across the education sector.
“The audit highlights the strengths, gaps and opportunities for strengthening the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s policies, circulars and programmes,” she said.
“It helps us agree on priorities that will support continued mainstreaming of GEDSI in policy development, programme implementation, monitoring and service delivery.”
Deputy Minister Gata said Government is strengthening the Safe Schools Framework, including support for children in institutions of care, while preparing a dedicated plan to address violence against boys.
She said the ministry is working with traditional and religious leaders to combat child marriages and disability stigma, while investing in disability-friendly infrastructure such as ramps, handrails, accessible toilets and information and communication technology devices through Ward
Development Funds and the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).
Government also plans to integrate sanitary wear into school budgets.
