Women, girls’ rights key to achieving gender equality

Tanaka Mahanya

The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ) yesterday hosted a delegation of women from Malawi to evaluate opportunities for women’s empowerment.

Speaking at the event, WCOZ chairperson, Madrine Chiku, said this ensures a society where women and girls fully enjoy all their rights through initiatives to achieve gender equality and equity.

“This is a momentous occasion that must never be taken for granted given the fact that it brings us as women together and enhances our work, aspirations and hopes in terms of enhancing women’s participation in different spaces.

“I hope that this visit will inspire the rest of the continent as it transforms itself towards realising the gender agenda in Agenda 2063.

“Agenda 2063 calls for a more inclusive society where all citizens are actively involved in decision-making in all aspects and where no child, woman or man is left behind or excluded based on gender, political affiliation, religion, ethnic affiliation, locality, age or other factors,” she said.

Chiku said the aim is to coordinate women and girls for collective action through lobbying and advocacy, capacity building, information dissemination, resource mobilisation and forming strategic alliances and partnerships.

“To our delegates, may this day foster a lifetime sisterhood relationship which prioritises all systems which effectively facilitate for women’s full participation in society.

“After all, the equal representation of women and men in political and decision-making institutions is thus crucial for the consolidation of democracy and for democracy to be sustainable.”