Special message from the First Lady

The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Vice President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and Patron of Angel of Hope Foundation, Her Excellency, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, joins hands with other nations at global and regional level to celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8, 2020) running under the campaign theme, #EachforEqual.

The national theme for Zimbabwe is, “Beijing + 25: The Journey towards Women’s Empowerment in Zimbabwe; Successes and Challenges”. The theme is aligned with United Nations Women’s new multi-generational campaign, Generation Equality, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Adopted in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is recognised as the most progressive roadmap for the empowerment of women and girls everywhere.

The year 2020 is pivotal for advancing gender equality worldwide, as the global community takes stock of progress made for women’s rights since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

The Republic of Zimbabwe has signed, ratified and domesticated international and regional conventions and protocols that aim to achieve gender equality and women’s rights in Zimbabwe.

At global, regional and national level, progress has been made but remains slow for the majority of women and girls, particularly those in marginalised areas and those socially excluded.

Multiple obstacles remain and these include legislation, culture, undervaluing of women’s work, fewer opportunities in accessing economic opportunities and multiple forms of violence in
the home and public spaces among others.

As Angel of Hope Foundation, our vision and mission is to support the most vulnerable in society through providing access to social services such as health care, education, social protection as
well as Economic Empowerment Initiatives at national level throughout Zimbabwe.

We work with all members of the Zimbabwean community regardless of race, colour, age, sex and social affiliation. The foundation pays particular attention to women and girls across the life-cycle through health and development interventions that transform lives and create opportunities for growth, survival and prosperity.

For transformation and fundamental changes to be made in the lives of women and girls globally and of Zimbabwe in particular, small actions can have big impacts in making the vision a reality.

No action is too small, and together, if we join hands and work in solidarity as Zimbabweans, we can mobilise to end all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and contribute to drive inclusive economic growth and development.

Solidarity at global and local level is, therefore, critical to tackle the persistent barriers against gender equality.

This statement was made by the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Patron of Angel of Hope Foundation, Her Excellency, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, to mark International Women’s Day 2020.