Online Reporter
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has moved to strengthen cooperation with South Africa in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment following Cabinet’s approval of a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral collaboration in the sector.
The agreement is expected to enhance cooperation between the two countries through the sharing of best practices, policy experiences and institutional frameworks aimed at advancing gender equality and expanding opportunities for women.
Briefing the media on Cabinet decisions on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the MoU provides a structured framework for sustainable collaboration between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
He said the two countries share common historical, social and economic ties, making the partnership critical in addressing gender inequality and strengthening systems that support women’s empowerment.
“The Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of South Africa share a common historical, social and economic fabric,” said Minister Soda.
“The Memorandum of Understanding provides a binding and guiding framework to consolidate, develop and structure sustainable collaboration on gender equality and women’s empowerment. “By formalising cooperation with South Africa, Zimbabwe stands to gain access to best practices in mechanisms for the prevention of and response to gender-based violence, domestic financing, gender accountability systems, financing for women-owned small and medium enterprises, and technology transfer for women in key economic sectors.”
Minister Soda said Zimbabwe had made significant progress in promoting inclusive leadership, with women increasingly occupying senior positions across Government and other sectors of the economy.
He said the agreement would strengthen existing efforts to empower women through improved institutional cooperation, knowledge-sharing and the adoption of proven regional approaches.
The MoU is also expected to facilitate collaboration in areas such as gender-responsive governance, women’s economic empowerment and the development of sustainable financing mechanisms for women-led enterprises.
The partnership reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation as a vehicle for advancing gender equality and promoting inclusive socio-economic development.
