SADC urges member states to accelerate action for gender equality

Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Reporter

SOUTHERN African Development Community (SADC) member states have been urged to take swift and decisive action to achieve gender equality by addressing systemic barriers and biases across all sectors.

Robust education and awareness-raising initiatives are crucial to challenging stereotypes and empowering women and girls.

In a statement marking this year’s International Women’s Day, held under the theme “Accelerate Action,” SADC Executive Secretary Dr Elias Magosi emphasised that gender equality is a fundamental human right and essential for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

However, Dr Magosi noted that the world, including the SADC region, is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Agenda targets.

“At the regional level, the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development underscores integrating gender issues into the SADC Programme of Action and Community Building Initiatives,” he said.

“Yet, negative social, cultural, and religious practices, along with mindsets that impede women’s progression and exacerbate gender-based violence, continue to hinder gender equality and equity.

“Let us therefore take swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality, addressing systemic barriers and biases in all spheres.

“Robust education and awareness-raising are needed to challenge stereotypes and empower women and girls.”

Dr Magosi noted ongoing reforms in the region to promote gender equality and empowerment, including the creation of special banks or grants for women to start businesses and the enactment of laws and policies that support women’s participation in decision-making and address gender-based violence.

For instance, Zimbabwe has a Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank.

Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, in November last year, allocated ZiG1,02 billion to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises to facilitate empowerment programmes across the country, key among the targets being women and marginalised groups.

However, Dr Magosi pointed out that “low implementation of policies and lack of enforcement remain a persistent challenge.”

To accelerate progress, the SADC regional bloc outlined several effective strategies, including forging partnerships for resource mobilisation, supporting women and girls in leadership roles, and developing interventions to prevent gender-based violence.

The bloc also emphasiaed the importance of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for women and girls and empowering them to make informed health decisions.

Additional strategies include involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security, providing access to quality education and training, and facilitating their participation in peace and security negotiations.

While reaffirming the SADC region’s commitment to gender equality, Dr Magosi acknowledged that barriers such as societal roles, legal frameworks, limited access to resources, and discriminatory practices persist.

He urged member states to fully implement the protocols, legal frameworks, and policies they have adopted as a region.

“Let us all take responsibility and actively participate in accelerating action for gender equality, whether through advocacy, education, or supporting initiatives that empower women and girls. Every effort does count!

“The potential for the region to create a more equitable and just society is huge and ever-present.”