Story by Stanley James
ZIMBAWBE is lobbying for the benchmarking of gender legislation across nations to ensure women’s challenges are fully addressed in line with sustainable development goals.
Zimbabwe is among the countries attending the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, USA.
A joint side event held on Wednesday created a platform for Gender Commissions from various African countries, among them Zimbabwe, South Africa and Kenya to gather input from participants about challenges, opportunities and the future of women.
An intervention to the panelists during the session by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa revealed the importance of benchmarking gender legislation for the benefit of communities.
Senator Mutsvangwa noted, ‘‘To the three commissioners, you spoke very well and certainly we need to make sure that there is that oversight independent body which looks at gender and women issues.’’
With women constituting the majority of population structures, Senator Mutsvangwa also raised the issue of taking into account the needs of women and including them in mainstream socio- economic development activities.
“The challenges which women experience in their countries are equally the same. I think it’s about benchmarking and learning from each other.’’
The sideline event was held under the theme: ‘Constitutional Gender Commission’s Role in Promoting Accountability Towards Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women in Africa’.
The meeting was co-chaired by Commission for Gender Equality acting chairperson in South Africa, Mrs Nomasanto Mazibuko, Zimbabwe Gender Commission chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Sangarwe and the chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission in Kenya, Dr. Joyce Mwikali Mutinda.
Zimbabwe’s delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) conference is led by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni.
