Story by Patience Nyagato
ZIMBABWE will join the rest of the world to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day, with the national commemorations set to be held in Zimunya, Manicaland Province on Friday.
In a media briefing in Harare this Wednesday, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted that the event will bring together various stakeholders to celebrate the social, economic and cultural achievements of women.
“This commemoration allows us to celebrate our achievements as a nation such as women’s meaningful participation in all sectors and in particular their participation in decision-making and leadership. Zimbabwe has come up with the National Women in Leadership and Decision-Making Strategy 2023-2030 to increase women’s participation in decision-making positions in the public, political and private sectors. To reflect his commitment, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed the first-ever female Attorney General, Prosecutor General and the first female Officer Cadet Trained Brigadier General,” Senator Mutsvangwa said.
“This year’s celebrations are particularly significant as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark in the global pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment. This can be seen in Zimbabwe where our commitment to creating a society where women and girls have equal access to opportunities, resources, and services is unwavering. We recognise the importance of empowering women and girls to fully participate in the socio-economic and political development of our nation.
“While we reflect on the progress made towards gender equality, we must also acknowledge the persistent challenges that remain. Women and girls continue to face systemic barriers in terms of access to markets, finance, gender stereotypes biases, and gender-based violence that impede their ability to reach their full potential. It is our collective responsibility to address these injustices and to create a world where women and girls have equal opportunities, rights, and freedoms.
“On this day, we can look forward to exhibitions with women showcasing their products, including handicrafts, food, and agricultural produce, various service providers offering services on-site, services such as health services, financial services, agricultural services and legal services. Performances by Local artists to celebrate our culture and heritage and speakers that will make presentations on key issues in line with a theme ‘empowerment of women, women’s rights and climate change’ amongst others,” she said.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
