Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
A MALAWIAN gender advocate Ms Emma Kaliya has hailed Zimbabwe as a regional model for gender-responsive governance.
Speaking at the recent Gender Links Zimbabwe Summit and Awards, Ms Kaliya said Zimbabwe had “surpassed expectations” in advancing equality and service delivery at local level.
She traced her journey in the movement to as far back as 1997, during a global summit in Malawi where the first seeds of international gender development were sown.
She said her work with Gender Links began in 1999, strengthening significantly by 2003, as advocacy intensified for the elevation of the SADC Gender Declaration into a binding protocol.
“In 2005 we were in Gaborone, five women who agreed we would not leave until ministers committed to presenting our agenda to heads of State,” she recalled.
“That victory paved the way for the adoption of the Sadc Gender Protocol in 2008. It was the start of another long journey of tracking implementation across the region.”
She noted that the Sadc Gender Barometer, now widely used by governments and civil society was first developed by Gender Links before member states created their own monitoring tools.
“Sadc had no tracker and they relied on our work. The barometer remains a key reference across institutions.
“Zimbabwe has moved on, without fear of contradiction,” she said to applause.
“I have travelled across the region and I have never seen this level of commitment. Your councillors, MPs, and communities are doing amazing work. Zimbabwe is a true model for gender-responsive budgeting in Sadc.”
She urged Zimbabwe to consider exchange programmes to help other countries learn from its achievements.
Ms Kaliya also praised the Government of Zimbabwe for creating space for civil society and local authorities to advance gender equality.
“Some countries do not have the freedom you have to work openly. The environment here is commendable,” she said.
Diakonia business development manager, Mr Philemon Jazi, commended the gender-responsive budgeting programme for empowering communities to participate meaningfully in budget consultations and reviews.
“The result has been more gender-aware planning and increased accountability in public resource management,” Mr Jazi said.
Bulawayo, Kadoma, Mutare, Murewa, Umguza and Zibagwe councils were among the top winners, recognised for embedding gender considerations into planning, budgeting and service delivery.
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