Story by Tafara Chikumira
GWERU – THE need for society to continuously come up with initiatives that address gender parity is the rallying point as the Zimbabwe Gender Commission celebrates 10 years of existence this year.
The commission called for a renewed focus on gender equality as the country prepares to transition from the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to NDS2, citing the need to deepen efforts in closing the gender gap across all sectors of society.
Speaking during a provincial gender forum held in Gweru on Thursday as part of the Commission’s 10th-anniversary commemorations, the Commission’s Deputy Chairperson, Commissioner Obert Machalaga, who was standing in for the Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, said stakeholder input will guide gender priorities in the next phase of Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“As Zimbabwe transitions from NDS1 to NDS2, this is a pivotal moment to embed gender equality at the heart of our national development. This platform could not have come at a better time, as it offers an opportunity to gather nationwide perspectives on key critical areas. These insights will guide the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the government at large on key gender issues to be prioritised over the next decade,” he said.
Also addressing the forum, the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“I commend the Second Republic under the visionary leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for spearheading socio-economic enablers that support men and women’s access to productive resources, business opportunities and financial services, as well as promoting positive social norms and ensuring that women have a voice in decision making. In this regard, the Midlands province and the nation at large benefit immensely from the Second Republic’s gender responsive programmes,” he said.
On the sidelines of the forum, Honourable Ncube also toured exhibitions mounted by the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) as part of a business expo held at the Gweru Civil Centre, highlighting ongoing efforts to economically empower communities through inclusive entrepreneurship.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission was established in 2014 as an independent institution to promote, protect, and enforce gender equality and equity in Zimbabwe.
