Team Europe commits to advance gender equality in Zim

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter

TEAM Europe has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling barriers to gender equality and empowering women in Zimbabwe, with a substantial pledge of over €280 million from 2021 to 2027, Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Per Lindgärde has said.

Speaking during the International Women’s Day commemorations in Mutare last week, Ambassador Lindgärde said the funding is one of the collaborative efforts by the European Union through the Team Europe Initiative to uplift women and girls across the country.

“Through the Team Europe initiative on gender equality, we are supporting this cause with over €280 million from 2021 to 2027. We also recently committed an additional €7 million to further strengthen these efforts. The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s constitutional provisions on gender equality, the improved Education Act, and the Marriages Act, which collectively support women’s rights and opportunities.

“Literacy rates for young women aged 15 to 24 now stand at an impressive 92, 7 percent, and policies ensure that pregnant girls can remain in school. These legislative strides illustrate the nation’s progress,” he said.

Ambassador Lindgärde said additionally, the European Investment Bank and Stanbic Bank last week launched a €20 million gender facility to provide loans to women-owned businesses.

“The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and Stanbic have launched a €20 million credit line, to provide longer-term loans at favourable conditions to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Zimbabwe. The facility will focus on SMEs and businesses owned or run by women, which employ a significant number of women, or which offer services specifically to women.

“This is because we believe that by investing in women, we are investing in Zimbabwe’s future,” said Ambassador Lindgärde.

He said the Team Europe Initiative was established in response to the harmful social norms, Gender-Based Violence, and child marriage that continue to hinder advancement despite the significant progress recorded by the nation.

“In further response, the Team Europe Initiative has also established a regular policy dialogue with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development. This ensures that all programmes are in line with national policies and directly address the needs of women and girls,” Ambassador Lindgärde added.

He said the collaborative approach extends beyond Government partnerships as they are also working with UN agencies and civil society organisations to foster a gender-equal future in the country.

Speaking at the same event, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, said UN is working together with the European Union, Government of Zimbabwe and other development partners to combat Gender-Based Violence and economically empower women.

He commended local initiatives like the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank and international programmes like the Spotlight Initiative that have made significant strides towards the cause.

“The Zimbabwe Women’s Macrofinance Bank is playing a significant role in the empowering of women economically and providing necessary support to women entrepreneurs,” he said.

Mr Kallon said the UN, and other partners in Zimbabwe have collaborated with development partners, the European Union, Government and civil society through initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative in their fight for gender equality.

“This collaboration has made significant strides to eliminate Gender-Based Violence and promote women’s rights. It is our commitment to ensure that all women and girls enjoy their rights and freedoms fully, and we will continue to provide necessary support to keep gender equality a prioritised agenda in the country,” he said.

Mr Kallon said women around the world, including in Zimbabwe, are making remarkable contributions across all sectors even though women’s human rights are under attack.

“Together, we must stand firm in making human rights, equality and empowerment a reality for all women and girls. A society that uplifts its women and girls is a society that thrives, one that is more inclusive, more prosperous and more peaceful. Change is possible and it starts with us. Let us work together to ensure that gender equality becomes a lived reality for all women and girls,” Mr Kallon stated.