Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
MASVINGO – THE Zimbabwe Gender Commission says sexual harassment stands as the most frequently reported violation, hence they continue to develop strategies that support the Labour Amendment Act, which criminalises sexual harassment.
Addressing delegates at the Masvingo Provincial Gender Forum, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, Ms Margret Mukahanana-Sangarwe said that of the 4 000 cases of gender-based complaints they have received, sexual harassment stands out as the most frequently reported violation.
“As a commission, we received and handled over 4 000 cases of gender-based complaints. These cases include land and property disputes, child marriages, chieftainship conflicts, discrimination, violence and harassment in the workplace, and sexual & gender-based violence. Among these, sexual harassment stands as the most frequently reported violation, a stark reminder of the challenges we must confront. We are happy to note that as ZGC, we have not only contributed to the Labour Amendment Act, which criminalises sexual harassment, but also developed a strategy and training manual to support action,” she said.
Legislative reforms complemented by national strategies have significantly contributed to addressing gender disparities.
“It is also important that we reflect on successes made in the gender sector as a collective over the past decade. Among the key milestones are pivotal legislative reforms which include the Amendment of the Marriages Act (2022), which raised the legal marriage age to 18, ending child marriages and recognising unregistered customary marriages, protecting women from exploitation. Data Protection Act (2021), which strengthens protection of women and children from online violence, the Education Amendment Act of 2020, ensuring that girls are not excluded from education due to pregnancy or motherhood, and the recently launched National Gender Policy,” Ms Mukahanana-Sangarwe said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira commended the increased representation of women in leadership positions.
“The increased representation of women in leadership positions, both in government and within communities, stands as a testament to the favourable conducive policy environment created in the Second Republic, where no one and no place is left behind. Initiatives that promote education for girls and support women’s empowerment have transformed lives and created opportunities that were non-existent before,” he said.
The provincial gender forums to be held in all other provinces are a precursor to the National Gender Forum, which coincides with the Commission’s 10th anniversary.
