Blessing Nduku
In a significant effort to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) collaborated with a group of women in Gweru to advocate for the recognition and support of unpaid care work, which is predominantly carried out by women. This collaboration was highlighted during a recent workshop held at Oasis.
The workshop aimed to shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in unpaid care work, including childcare, household chores, and caring for the elderly. It brought together women from diverse backgrounds, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the importance of recognizing and valuing unpaid care work.
One participant emphasized the need for recognition and support, along with policies that acknowledge their contributions. “We are not just caregivers; we also contribute to the economy. We need policies that recognize our work and provide us with the necessary support to carry out our responsibilities effectively.”
VISET echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of policy changes to recognize and value unpaid care work.
“Unpaid care work is a critical component of our economy, and it is time we recognize it as such. We must work together to create policies that support women and provide them with the necessary resources to excel in their various roles.”
This advocacy effort is part of a broader movement to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe.
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), women spend an average of 5 hours per day on unpaid care work, compared to 2 hours per day for men.
The workshop also provided a platform for women to share their experiences and challenges in balancing unpaid care work with other responsibilities.
Many women expressed frustration with the lack of support and recognition, highlighting the need for change. “We need to break the silence and speak out about the challenges we face. We must work together to create a society that values and supports women in unpaid care work,” said Rejoice Madubeko.
As one participant stated, “We are not asking for favors; we are asking for recognition and support. We are ready to work together to create a better future for ourselves and our families.”
The advocacy effort is ongoing, with VISET and the women of Gweru planning to engage with policymakers and stakeholders to push for policy changes and support systems. The movement is expected to gain momentum as more women and organizations join the call for recognition and support.
In the coming weeks, VISET and the women of Gweru will be organizing community outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing and valuing unpaid care work. These programs will also provide women with access to resources and support, empowering them to excel in their various roles.
The collaboration between the women of Gweru and VISET serves as a model for other organizations and communities to follow. The event concluded with a call to action, urging policymakers to take concrete steps to recognize and support unpaid care work.
This collaboration is seen as a significant step towards promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe.
As the country strives to achieve its development goals, recognizing and supporting unpaid care work is crucial. The advocacy efforts by the women of Gweru and VISET represent a meaningful step towards achieving this goal and are expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of women and families across the country.
