Women remain marginalised in leadership

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ZIMBABWE celebrated International Women’s Day yesterday, which ran under the theme “Accelerate Action”. This theme emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) is a constitutional body whose mandate includes monitoring and promoting gender equality. Our Reporter TANYARADZWA RUSIKE spoke to ZGC chairperson MRS MARGARET MUKAHANANA-SANGARWE on the commission’s work and milestones achieved so far.

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Q: This year marks 30 years since the Beijing Women’s Conference, which sought to advance women’s empowerment. Can you outline the strides Zimbabwe has made in attaining goals set out at that meeting?

A: Zimbabwe has made significant progress in advancing gender equality since the Beijing Conference. Key achievements include harmonising marriage laws to ensure equal rights for spouses and setting the minimum marriage age at 18. Legislative reforms, such as mandatory 15-year sentencing for rape, the Cybercrime and Data Protection Act, and the Labour Amendment Act to address workplace harassment, have been enacted.

Education reforms, including the Education Amendment Act prohibiting expulsion of pregnant girls and affirmative action in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, have boosted female participation. Economic empowerment initiatives like the Women’s Empowerment Fund, (Zimbabwe) Women’s Microfinance Bank and climate-smart agriculture programmes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa) have enhanced women’s economic resilience.

The Zimbabwe National Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) (2023-2030), and mobile one-stop centres for GBV survivors in remote areas further underscore our commitment as a nation.

Q: Can you outline the other work your commission is doing to promote gender equality in Zimbabwe?

A: The ZGC conducts gender audits, monitors compliance with constitutional gender provisions and investigates complaints of gender-based violations. We issue advisory notes to public and private institutions to address systemic discrimination, such as underrepresentation of women in leadership.

We also lead campaigns against sexual harassment in workplaces and tertiary institutions, advocate legislative reforms and host annual national gender forums to address issues like GBV and political participation. Additionally, our Women Rise in Politics programme trains aspiring female leaders, resulting in 38 women elected in 2023.

Q: What successes have the commission recorded since its establishment?

A: Key successes include investigating and resolving high-profile sexual harassment cases at institutions like Lupane State University, Lobels Sweets and the National Aids Council; influencing the Labour Amendment Act (2023) to criminalise workplace sexual harassment; launching the Gender Observatory to monitor gender parity in elections, leading to advocacy for increased women’s quotas in politics; conducting the National Inquiry on Child Marriage (2022) after the Anna Machaya case; amplifying grassroots voices; (and) establishing a call centre to improve GBV reporting and decentralising services to five regional offices.

Q: What are some of the major challenges that you have faced in your work?

A: Challenges include sociocultural norms: Deep-rooted patriarchy and harmful practices hinder progress; Inadequate funding: Limited budgets constrain programme reach and effectiveness; Data gaps: Lack of gender-disaggregated data complicates policy design; Legal fragmentation: Outdated laws and slow harmonisation with the Constitution; Underrepresentation: Women remain marginalised in leadership (for example, we have 31 percent in Parliament).

Q: How does the commission collaborate with Government ministries and departments to ensure gender considerations are integrated into all policies and programmes?

A: The ZGC issues advisory notes to ministries on gender-balanced appointments and policy reforms, engages in joint initiatives like the National Gender Forum, and participates in inter-ministerial committees such as those on climate change and disaster management.

We also collaborate on gender audits and provide technical support to develop gender-responsive policies, such as sexual harassment frameworks for institutions.

Q: What are the commission’s strategies for addressing gender-based violence in rural and remote areas?

A: Through the support of UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), the commission has been conducting mobile one-stop GBV services in remote areas. The commission has also been conducting various awareness campaigns through provincial dialogues and partnerships with traditional leaders, which help shift harmful norms.

The ZGC also advocates rural-friendly legal aid and leverages technology such as the call centre to improve reporting.

Q: Could you elaborate on the commission’s role in advocating legislative reforms to promote gender equality?

A: The ZGC spearheads advocacy for laws like the proposed Gender Equality Act and Sexual Harassment Act. We submit position papers to Parliament, engage stakeholders through consultations and use findings from investigations, for example, workplace harassment cases, to push for amendments, such as mandatory sentencing for rape and the Labour Act’s anti-harassment clauses.

Q: The ZGC has initiated investigations into sexual harassment at tertiary institutions. What prompted these investigations?

A: Reports of systemic sexual exploitation and abuse at institutions like Lupane State University, Africa University and Bondolfi Teachers’ College prompted the investigations. Allegations included coercive practices by staff, creating unsafe learning environments.

Q: Has the commission ever conducted such an investigation before? If so, what were the findings?

A: Yes. Past investigations include at the Immigration Department and the National Aids Council (NAC). The investigations revealed widespread harassment, leading to policy reforms. For instance, NAC implemented stricter harassment policies post-investigation.

Q: Will the probe extend to primary and high schools as well?

A: Current focus is only on tertiary institutions.

Q: How will the commission ensure that victims’ identities are protected when they submit complaints?

A: The ZGC guarantees confidentiality through secure complaint channels such as our call centre, emails and walk-ins. Witness protection protocols and anonymous reporting options are also utilised during investigations.

Q: When will the commission start receiving oral submissions, and how long will the process take?

A: Oral submissions for ongoing investigations are already being received. Timelines vary per case complexity, but the ZGC prioritises swift, fair resolutions while ensuring thoroughness.

Q: How will the commission deal with individuals found guilty of sexual harassment?

A: The ZGC recommends disciplinary action to relevant institutions. This includes dismissal, policy reforms and other actions. For criminal acts, cases are referred to prosecutors. We also advocate victim compensation and institutional accountability.

Q: Can you provide an update on the investigation into Prophet Walter Magaya?

A: The investigation into allegations against Mr Magaya is ongoing. Outcomes will be communicated publicly upon completion, following legal protocols.

Q: What other investigations is the commission currently undertaking?

A: Current investigations include workplace harassment in private companies, property disputes disadvantaging women and systemic discrimination in customary law institutions.

Q: What mechanisms does the commission have to monitor implementation of gender-related laws and policies?

A: The ZGC uses a gender monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, conducts periodic audits and publishes reports.

We also collaborate with civil society to hold duty-bearers accountable and review compliance through advisory notes and follow-ups.