Tinaye Agere
Fatima Bulla-Musakwa
THE Government is considering establishing a National Academy of Gender Studies with branches at universities to enhance women’s representation in leadership and decision-making roles.
The academy aims to consolidate knowledge and best practices, setting high standards across various fields, including emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy.
During the opening of a two-day Women in Leadership Summit, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, suggested that the Women’s University in Africa should host the National Chair of the proposed academy.
“We need to look into setting up a National Academy of Gender Studies with branches at our universities. I propose that the Women’s University should host the National Chair of the proposed Gender Academy,” she said.
The summit gathers stakeholders from the public, private and development sectors, including politicians, business leaders, United Nations agencies, the academia, and women’s rights organisations. It aims to review progress towards achieving gender parity in decision-making and economic empowerment for women.
Participants will identify emerging gaps and develop strategies and innovative approaches to achieve gender parity, aligning with national, regional, and global commitments and targets.
Discussions will also focus on the status of women in leadership, addressing violence against women, and promoting women’s economic empowerment, among other issues affecting women’s participation in all areas of life.
The summit’s theme is “Accelerating Gender Parity through Collective Action: Strengthening Accountability and Solidarity to Transform Policies into Tangible Progress.”
Online Reporter