Story by Patience Nyagato
ZIMBABWE reaffirmed its dedication to advancing gender equity and women’s empowerment as it hosts the United Nations Women Executive Board on a high-level visit aimed at strengthening partnerships and reviewing progress.
The delegation, which is in the country for a week-long visit met with the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa in Harare this Monday.
The Minister took the opportunity to reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment towards advancing gender equity through robust national frameworks and collaborative efforts.
“The government has mandated my Ministry to coordinate national efforts towards achieving gender equality. We have institutionalised national mechanisms such as the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, Parliamentary Committees, and Gender Mainstreaming Directorates in all sectors.
“To enhance coordination, we have also developed a National Gender Machinery Coordination Framework. We have strengthened financial inclusion for women through institutions such as the Women’s Development Fund, Empower Bank, and the Zimbabwe Women Micro-Finance Bank. We are also creating safe marketplaces and workspaces to promote women-led small businesses.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the critical financial and technical support from UN Women. However, we remain concerned about emerging threats, such as funding cuts and increasing restrictions on women’s rights globally. Continued support is essential, “ Minister Mutsvangwa said.
The visit by the UN Women Executive Board marks a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe to showcase its progress and renew calls for global solidarity in the fight for gender justice and women rights.
