Sundaymail Editor
Fatima Bulla-Musakwa
Gender and Community Editor
HIDDEN deep in Bentiu, a city located in northern South Sudan, a military woman’s sterling work in championing gender equality as an Observer under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission could not escape the UN’s notice.
Fittingly, Major Winnet Zharare, who was doing duty far from her native Zimbabwe, was ultimately honoured as the winner of the 2021 Military Gender Advocate of the Year.
The award recognises outstanding contribution of an individual military peacekeeper who goes beyond the call of duty to promote principles of prevention, protection, participation and gender equality under UN Security Council Resolution 13/25 on Women, Peace and Security.
Created in 2016, the Military Gender Advocate of the Year accolade celebrates outstanding efforts in promoting these principles within peace operations.
The gruelling selection began when Major Zharare’s name came first from South Sudan’s 10 states.
It was subsequently forwarded to the United Nations headquarters in New York, where it was put in the hat together with names from six missions that had nominated candidates.
It was a moment of pride for Zimbabwe when UN secretary-general Mr Antonio Guterres indicated during the awards ceremony that Major Zharare had consistently sought to integrate principles of UN Security Council Resolution 13/25 into the daily work of her mission.
“Women peacekeepers make a profound difference. They help UN do its job more inclusively and effectively. They serve and change lives. That is why we are consistently striving to increase the number of women in peace operations whether in military, police or civilians,” he said.
In an interview from New York, she underscored the important role of women peacekeepers in gaining confidence and trust from women she worked with in South Sudan.
“We don’t separate duties with men, but you know as a lady if you go and talk to the ladies, they will gain confidence and trust in you. The role of peacekeepers is to observe and report, so as women, we dwell much on women issues,” the Mhondoro-born peacekeeper said.
“We don’t only cover women issues but we take note of women’s needs, rights and we try to encourage authorities to also include women in decision-making, because you know if you are involved in decision-making, it is very easy to follow. But if the decisions are taken by men only, it will be very difficult for the ladies. So we try to talk to the local authorities, the military and everyone to involve women in decision-making processes.”
She now joins an elite class of peacekeepers from Kenya, Brazil (twice), South Africa and Niger who have previously won the award.
According to her citation, Major Zharare saw first-hand the enormous toll of armed conflict on entire communities, witnessing how women were even more vulnerable to violence, sexual assault, displacement and hunger.
While she previously observed in many parts of the world how women and girls were excluded from decisions affecting their daily lives as well as political and peace processes, she took action and for years advocated for gender equality and recognition of women as leaders and decision-makers. In South Sudan, her diligence and diplomatic skills quickly gained the trust of local military commanders who sought her advice on women’s rights and protection.
It helped strengthen bonds with local communities.
Major Zharare still has fond memories from her experiences in South Sudan.
“I had a great working experience with local women. Whenever they saw military observers, they felt happy, they would be confident, they emulated us and wanted to know more about how we got to the level of being international workers,” added the 39-year-old.
“Some of them promised us that they wanted to further their education so that they can also be in positions of authority, they can be empowered and can be employed as international workers. We were working with local women, others in the NGO sector, so most of these ladies were learned.”
Major Zharare has always believed in equal opportunities between women and men.
As such, soon after her graduation as 2nd Lieutenant, she was posted to Mutare, where she was tasked with superintending over female non-commissioned officers, among other duties, to ensure they do their work diligently.
She made sure there were no gender roles in execution of duties.
“I was dwelling on gender issues that there should be equal treatment for both women and men in the military when it comes to running, working and duties. I can safely say that I was hands-on and I could ensure that if we are running 20 km, I had to finish it; if I was doing duties, I have to compete with men.”
While some say the sky is the limit, Major Zharare believes she can scale even higher.
Having been recognised internationally, she now intends to lecture at training schools to promote gender awareness among boys and girls.
She strongly believes gender stereotypes have to be overlooked.
“We should work together as a team. I would like to embark on a programme and ensure that the military is well represented … I think as a nation we are doing well because we are witnessing gender mainstreaming in Zimbabwe.
“So I will try to work hard as an individual and encourage everyone to promote gender equality,” said the mother of three girls.
Born in a family of five girls and two boys, Major Zharare says there are equal opportunities for men and women to excel in the military.
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