Blessing Nduku
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) Midlands Province celebrated a decade of dedication to promoting gender equality and protecting human rights last week at Mkoba Teacher’s College in collaboration with Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ).
“Speaking on behalf of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson of ZGC, MAR Obert Matshalag, outlined the achievements they have made so far as an organisation for the past 10 years.”
“We have driven meaningful change through strategic policy engagements and national dialogues through our annual National Gender Forums, which were instrumental in driving reforms and influencing changes to policies, laws, customs, and practices across various sectors.”
“I am also pleased to announce that the ZGC now has permanent headquarters in Harare, and we call it ‘The house of Gender Equality.”
This is more than just a building bit it is a powerful symbol that shows that Gender equality is not a temporary initiative but a national priority etched in stone and steel. With this permanent home, we lay the institutional foundation for a sustained Gender action.
The 10th Anniversary was running under the theme ZGC @ 10: Reflecting on Achievements and the Future for Gender Equality in Zimbabwe.
“Matshalaga went on to explain the objectives that are going to guide the 10th anniversary.
This year’s forum is being held with the following specific objectives to reflect on and take stock of achievements and lessons learnt from ZGC’s decade-long work. To identify emerging and future priorities for gender equality and amplify voices from communities and stakeholders in Zimbabwe. To catalyse action-oriented dialogue on innovative, inclusive and sustainable strategies to accelerate gender equality.
The Minister of Provincial and Devolution, Owen Mudha Ncube, stated that the Gender forum serves as a platform for raising awareness on issues related to do with gender.
This Provincial Gender Forum serves as a platform for dialogue, awareness-raising, advocacy on gender-related issues, and combating Gender-Based Violence, which is a significant obstacle to women’s empowerment and development.
“I am therefore grateful to note that this forum also acknowledges progress made in the past decades and strategically positions the Midlands Province to chart a visionary path for the future as we march towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030.”
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) was established to promote and protect gender equality in Zimbabwe. It was operationalized through the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act (Chapter 10:31) and is one of the independent commissions supporting democracy as outlined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The ZGC’s mandate includes investigating barriers to gender equality, making recommendations to remove those barriers, and promoting gender equality through public education, research, and monitoring.
As the Zimbabwe Gender Commission celebrates its 10-year milestone, it is clear that the journey towards gender equality is ongoing.
With its dedication to advocacy, education, and support, the ZGC remains committed to creating a more just and equitable society.
The commission’s achievements serve as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of continued efforts to promote gender equality and protect human rights in Zimbabwe.
