Story by Memory Chamisa
UNITED Nations Assistant Secretary General, who is also UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director, Dr Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, is expected to undertake a high-level mission to Zimbabwe starting on Monday, targeted at building collective action to safeguard progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The visit by Dr Gumbonzvanda comes at a pivotal moment for gender equality efforts, as global reforms and shifting donor priorities reshape the development landscape.
Dr Gumbonzvanda is expected to engage with key stakeholders, including government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, and UN agencies, to reinforce commitments to gender equality, strengthen coordination, and identify pathways for sustaining impactful programmes in Zimbabwe.
“We are excited to be hosting the UN Women’s deputy executive director and her visit entails enhanced donor engagement and resource mobilisation, as well as reinforced partnerships with women’s rights organisations that play a critical role in driving change at community and national levels. Zimbabwe has made significant progress towards gender equality in various spheres, including political offices and high appointments, among others. We look forward to fruitful engagements that will not only strengthen collaborations but also ensure every woman is represented,” Co-Chair of the African Women Leadership Network, Councillor Chioniso Michelle Murinda said.
“This visit is huge considering that Dr Gumbonzvanda is one of our own. She understands better what women in Zimbabwe go through, the trials and tribulations they face. As women’s groups, we need to put our best foot forward so that we can get maximum support from her office, as well as reinforced partnerships with women’s rights organisations that play a critical role in driving change at community and national levels,” the Director of Shamwari Yemwanasikana, Ms Ekenia Chifamba weighed in.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa noted the significance of the visit in scaling up interventions and joint programming opportunities.
“We are excited to be receiving the UN Women’s Executive Director, Dr Gumbonzvanda. This is a second visit since assuming office. We look forward to discussions that will explore programmatic alignment, ensuring that UN Women’s Strategic Note is closely aligned with Zimbabwe’s national development priorities and identifying opportunities for joint programming with partners,” she said
“Partnership building will be a key focus, deepening collaboration with government institutions, civil society, women’s rights organisations, and donors to sustain and scale gender equality efforts amid funding transitions. Clear priorities are anticipated for scaling up UN Women’s interventions, particularly in ending violence against women, promoting women’s leadership, advancing economic empowerment, and supporting women’s roles in peace and security.”
Zimbabwe has demonstrated strong political will through recent policy reforms, including the National Gender Policy (2025), the Gender-Based Violence Strategy (2023-2030), and the Marriages Act (2022).
The frameworks continue to provide a solid foundation for advancing women’s rights.
