Zimbabwe urged to strengthen gender equality efforts, as nation marks 46 years of Independence
Matebeleland Pulse Reporter
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission has called for renewed efforts and increased investment to advance gender equality, saying persistent challenges continue despite progress made since independence.
In a statement issued today marking 46 years of independence, the Commission said Zimbabwe has made “notable strides” in promoting gender equality, supported by constitutional provisions that guarantee equality, non-discrimination, and full participation in all spheres of life.
However, it warned that significant barriers remain.
“While celebrating progress, the Commission calls for renewed efforts to consolidate gender gains,” the statement said, pointing to ongoing issues including gender-based violence, unequal economic opportunities, limited representation of women in decision-making, and socio-cultural norms that perpetuate inequality.
The Commission linked gender equality directly to national development ambitions, including the country’s drive toward Vision 2030, which aims to achieve an upper-middle-income economy.
“As Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030, gender equality is not only a constitutional imperative but also a strategic driver of economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development,” the statement said.
It added that gender equality is a cross-cutting priority within the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the government’s medium-term economic blueprint. The Commission stressed that fully integrating gender considerations into NDS2 implementation will be critical to achieving inclusive growth, social protection, and human capital development.
“Ensuring that gender considerations are fully integrated into NDS2 implementation will be critical to achieving equitable and sustainable national development outcomes,” said the Commission.
The Commission also highlighted its role in shaping policy and national discourse through research and advocacy, including its inquiry into child marriages, which has informed interventions to protect the rights and well-being of girls.
To address ongoing challenges, the Commission outlined key recommendations, including increased funding for programmes tackling gender-based violence and women’s economic empowerment, promoting inclusive participation in leadership and governance, and expanding grassroots awareness initiatives.
“Persistent challenges remain… These issues require sustained, coordinated, and well-resourced interventions,” the Commission noted.
Reaffirming its message, the Commission emphasized that gender equality is central to national unity and development.
“Gender equality is not a peripheral issue… but a mandatory cornerstone of unity, peace, and development,” it said, adding that a gender-equal Zimbabwe would be “stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous.”
