Chronicle EditorMichelle Moyo, [email protected]
CABINET has received an update on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Charter establishing Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Organization, a milestone aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women to participate fully in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across the region.
The charter seeks to increase women’s participation in innovation and science in the SADC region, providing a platform for women to influence and shape society through science and technology.
The initiative addresses the gender digital divide and underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, working towards achieving sustainable development and gender equality through gender-responsive innovations. It also encourages investment in gender-responsive social systems and infrastructure, empowering women and girls to take up STEM subjects and ICT at all levels.
Through the charter, SADC aims to establish strategic partnerships between key sectors to promote gender equality, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for scientific innovation and technological advancement in the region.
By promoting women’s participation in STEM, the charter seeks to unlock the full potential of the region’s human capital, driving growth, development, and prosperity for all.
In a Post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said the charter governs the cooperation between SADC member states in the promotion of women in science, engineering and technology.
“The Charter provides a legal and institutional framework for the establishment of SADC Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Organization,” said Dr Muswere.
He said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Charter on Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Organization was approved by the SADC Member States in 2017 and entered into force in September 2022 following its signing by eleven Member States.
“Over the years, despite attempts to encourage women and girls’ participation, Zimbabwe has also witnessed persistent gender gaps at all levels of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). On all fronts, the country has made commendable efforts in advancing socio-economic issues and other matters of interest working in collaboration with other SADC Member States.”
Dr Muswere further outlined that the SADC on Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Organization Charter strengthens Zimbabwe’s efforts in promoting gender mainstreaming in STEM and consequently bridges the gender gaps for the achievement of gender-responsive and inclusive higher and tertiary education, innovation, science and technology development.
“In this regard, the Cabinet approved the signing and ratification of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Organisation Charter.”
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