Women hail empowerment efforts

Gender Reporter
Women have hailed government efforts to empower them, saying laws enacted over the past 20 years since the Beijing conference have transformed their lives, though more needs to be done to consolidate the gains.

Speaking at a colourful International Women’s Day commemoration held at Maraposa Primary School in Umguza district, Emthonjeni Women’s Forum director Sikhathele Matambo said though there was still more that government can do for women’s emancipation, positive strides have been made in the last 20 years

She hailed the Domestic Violence Act, inheritance laws and the Sexual Offences Act as some of the pieces of legislation that have been enacted, that reinforce the 12 critical areas of the Beijing Declaration.

“Before the inheritance law was enacted, men’s relatives would grab everything from the deceased’s spouse, leaving her and children homeless.

“Now women are protected from such inhuman acts by the law,” she said.

Through drama and song women acknowledged several legislative, policy and administrative measures which answer to the 12 critical areas as outlined in the Beijing Declaration.

These have been reinforced by the new Constitution adopted in 2013 which contains strong provisions for the promotion and attainment of gender equality and women empowerment.

These provisions include a non-discrimination and gender equality and gender parity clauses on equal representation of women and men in public office and positions of decision making.

Umguza district administrator, Ennety Sithole, read a speech delivered by Acting Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Cde Chris Mushohwe at the national launch of International Women’s Day in Harare last month.

Cde Mushohwe noted the need for government to create a conducive environment for women to be involved in key sectors like agriculture, mining, tourism and trade as these help in the eradication of poverty.

After the event that was attended by councillors from the district’s 18 wards the DA was taken on a tour of stands where women had displayed some of their wares.