By Moses Magadza in New York

New York, USA – Zimbabwe showcased a comprehensive range of initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment at a side event on the sidelines of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, shared the country’s progress in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 30 years after its adoption.

Minister Mutsvangwa stressed that Zimbabwe has made significant strides in strengthening national mechanisms dedicated to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“Dedicated, robust, and functional mechanisms for the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls are critical elements for accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.

Among the key interventions showcased was the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, an independent constitutional body tasked with monitoring and promoting gender equality in the country.

“This Commission ensures that gender equality remains central to our national agenda,” she noted.

Zimbabwe has also prioritised women’s economic empowerment through financial inclusion initiatives such as the Zimbabwe Women’s Micro-Finance Bank (ZWMB).

“The bank was specifically established to promote women’s access to finance, and women’s desks have also been set up across banking institutions to provide tailored support,” Sen. Mutsvangwa explained.

On the legislative arena, Zimbabwe has established three Parliamentary Standing Committees on Gender Equality that provide oversight and conduct advocacy for gender-responsive laws and policies.

“These committees have been instrumental in pushing for legislative reforms that promote gender equality,” the Minister added.

Addressing gender-based violence (GBV), Sen. Mutsvangwa outlined an array of support mechanisms including Anti-Domestic Violence Councils, safe shelters, One Stop Centres, and Victim Friendly Units within the police designed to ensure justice for survivors.

She also presented the newly developed National Gender Machinery Coordination Framework, a tool aimed at enhancing multi-sectoral coordination and accountability.

To show political commitment, Zimbabwe has appointed Directors of Gender Mainstreaming, Inclusivity, and Wellness across all government ministries, departments, and agencies.

“We have fully transitioned from Gender Focal Persons to these Directors who now drive the gender agenda in all sectors,” Sen. Mutsvangwa said.

Zimbabwe has also strengthened its data systems to support evidence-based programming by establishing a dedicated gender unit in the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT). The unit produces periodic gender statistics reports to inform policy and programming.

Sen. Mutsvangwa praised the growing involvement of the private sector, civil society, and traditional leaders in championing gender equality.

“We have moved beyond the era where civil society played only a watchdog role. Today, we work hand in hand in formulating, implementing, and monitoring gender policies and strategies,” she said.

The country has also embraced male engagement initiatives, with a growing number of ‘HeForShe’ champions and male gender advocates in parliament and traditional leadership.

“Our traditional leaders are now at the forefront in fighting harmful cultural practices and promoting access to justice for women,” she noted.

The Minister reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to the full emancipation of women and girls.

“All these interventions are anchored on strong policy and legal foundations, backed by political will and resource allocation.

“We remain open to further collaborations with both private and public stakeholders to accelerate gender equality and women’s empowerment,” Sen. Mutsvangwa said.

Mrs. Sibusisiwe Zembe, Secretary of Commissions in Zimbabwe also spoke under the theme, ‘Accelerating the Beijing Declaration: Zimbabwe’s Institutional Mechanisms as Key Drivers of Action’ and highlighted the country’s comprehensive approach to gender mainstreaming and inclusivity.

“The institutionalisation of gender is not an act of favour, but rather a commitment to fairness, dignity, and the optimal use of human resources for national prosperity,” Mrs. Zembe said.

She explained that Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 is aligned with the principles of gender mainstreaming, inclusivity, and wellness to ensure that no one is left behind. At the heart of these efforts is the Public Service Commission (PSC.

Zimbabwe’s Constitution provides a solid foundation for gender equity, with Sections 17, 56, and 80 guaranteeing gender balance, equal opportunities, and protection of women’s rights.

These constitutional provisions have been reinforced by the establishment of dedicated structures like the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, and gender focal points across ministries.

Mrs Zembe said the PSC established the Department of Gender Mainstreaming, Inclusivity, and Wellness in 2021 across all ministries, empowering gender focal persons and ensuring decision-making authority within a well-defined hierarchy.

She acknowledged that while progress is evident, achieving gender parity remains a work in progress. Data presented showed an increase in female representation among senior management, although disparities persist. For instance, female Chief Directors rose from 27% in 2022 to 31% by 2024.

Efforts to promote inclusivity for persons with disabilities (PWDs) also continue, with current representation standing at 41.86% across various public service grades. However, top leadership positions still reflect marginal participation by PWDs.

“The Constitution sets an ambitious target of achieving a 10% representation for persons with disabilities, and the Government is firmly committed to actively advancing this inclusivity imperative,” Mrs Zembe stressed.

She shared Zimbabwe’s best practices include the development of several key policies and interventions including the Public Service Sexual Harassment Policy to ensure safe working environments; Guidelines on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the Public Service; Public Service Inclusion Policy, targeting women, youths, PWDs, and marginalised regions; and Sexual Harassment Sensitisation as a mandatory part of induction for all new public service recruits.

Mrs Zembe stressed the importance of addressing cultural norms and structural barriers that hinder gender equity.

Delegates heard that the Government of Zimbabwe has shown political will by appointing women to strategic ambassadorial posts in countries such as China, India, France, and Germany, reflecting trust in women’s leadership in critical international relations.

Additionally, policies codifying wellness, sexual harassment, and maternity leave have been strengthened to foster a supportive work environment.

Mrs Zembe reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to gender equity and inclusivity as drivers of national development.

“The institutionalisation of gender in the public service is not merely about achieving numerical balance but about fostering a culture of equality and excellence that benefits all citizens,” she said.

Delegates heard that Zimbabwe’s Public Service Commission was committed to expanding its wellness scope to include financial, environmental, and intellectual well-being in its quest for multidimensional wellness for all government workers.

Zimbabwe’s Secretary for Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr. Mavis Sibanda applauded Mrs Zembe and other panellists for offering critical insights into Zimbabwe’s journey and the lessons that could inform global gender equality efforts.

“These mechanisms are central to driving action and ensuring that gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a lived reality in our country,” she stated.

“Institutionalising gender equality is a deliberate process that requires robust legal, policy, and programmatic frameworks,” she said.

She cited the collaboration between the executive, legislature, independent commissions, and civil society as a model worth emulating.

She said, “Our experience shows that when institutions work together – from Parliament to independent commissions like the Zimbabwe Gender Commission – progress is not only possible, but inevitable.”

• Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC PF.