gender equality – NEWSSPACE

Achieving gender equality requires collective efforts

**UN Women Country Representative, Fatou Lo**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Achieving gender equality requires the total commitment of everyone, so that women and girls who have for long been marginalised, can reach their full potential, UN Women Country Representative Fatou Lo has said.

Lo revealed this in her solidarity remarks at the Inaugural Zimbabwe High-Level Women in Leadership Summit which was running the under theme; “Accelerating Gender Parity through Collective Action: Strengthening Accountability and Solidarity to Transform Policies into Tangible Progress”.

“Let us push forward the commitments to creating an environment where every woman and girl can reach her full potential and break the glass ceiling.

“Let us work together to break down the barriers that hold women back and build a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.

“Let us constantly remember the fight for gender equality is a collective journey. It requires the dedication and commitment of every one of us. Together, we can create a future where women’s participation in leadership and public life is the norm, not the exception. Let us be the change we wish to see in this country,” said Lo.

She also revealed that the summit was a testament to the collective commitment to advancing women’s rights and ensuring women’s full participation in leadership and public life across all sectors.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants, women who have fought tirelessly for the rights we enjoy today.

“Yet, despite significant progress, we are reminded daily of the work that remains.

“Women continue to face barriers in economic empowerment, political participation, and decision-making processes.

“These challenges are not just women’s issues; they are societal issues that affect us all.

“Women’s participation in leadership and public life is not merely a matter of fairness; it is a prerequisite for sustainable development and peace.

“When women lead, we see more inclusive governance, more equitable policies, and more resilient economies.

“Studies have shown that companies with higher gender diversity in leadership outperform their peers.

“Similarly, countries with greater gender equality tend to be more prosperous and stable,” she said.

Lo also revealed that women had to be economically empowered as this is a cornerstone of gender equality. She revealed that women must have equal access to education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“We must dismantle the barriers that prevent women from entering and thriving in the workforce.

“This includes addressing the gender pay gap, ensuring access to affordable childcare, and promoting policies that support work-life balance.

“In politics and decision-making, women’s voices are crucial. We must strive for gender parity in all levels of government and public administration.

“This means not only increasing the number of women in leadership positions but also ensuring they have the support and resources needed to succeed. Quotas and other affirmative actions can be effective tools in achieving this goal,” added Lo.

Representing the private sector, Manyara Chigunduru, who is the CEO of Marianhill Chartered Accountants and the Immediate Past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe, said the summit was not only a celebration of the achievements, but also a call to action—a reminder that the journey toward gender equality in leadership is far from over and that solidarity is more important than ever.

“As we gather here today, I want to emphasize the power of solidarity among women.

“Our collective strength is our greatest asset. When we support one another, share our experiences, and lift each other up, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our individual achievements.

“We pave the way for the next generation of women leaders, showing them that there is no limit to what they can achieve.

“Solidarity means advocating for each other in spaces where our voices may not always be heard. It means mentoring and sponsoring younger women, ensuring that they have the guidance and support they need to navigate the challenges of their careers.

“It means celebrating each other’s successes, big or small, and recognizing that each step forward for one woman is a step forward for all women.

“In the private sector, solidarity also means pushing for systemic change. We must continue to advocate for policies that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay, flexible work arrangements, and inclusive hiring practices.

“But beyond policy, we must also challenge the cultural norms and biases that perpetuate inequality.

“This requires us to be bold, to speak out, and to lead by example—demonstrating that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential components of a thriving, innovative business,” said Chigunduru.

She also revealed that as a businesswoman and also standing in for the private sector, she has seen first-hand the transformative impact that women can have when they are in positions of power and influence.

“Women bring to the table a unique blend of empathy, resilience, and strategic insight that is crucial for driving sustainable growth and fostering a culture of innovation.

“Our leadership styles often prioritize collaboration over competition, inclusion over exclusion, and long-term vision over short-term gains.

“These are not just leadership qualities; they are the cornerstones of successful, forward-thinking businesses in today’s rapidly changing world,” she said.

She added that despite the immense contributions of women in leadership roles, they still face significant challenges.

“The glass ceiling, though cracked, has not yet been shattered.

“Women continue to be underrepresented in boardrooms and executive suites, and those who do reach these heights often do so at great personal cost.

“We grapple with the demands of balancing our professional ambitions with our roles as caregivers, mentors, and community leaders.

“We face unconscious bias, wage gaps, and a lack of access to the same networks and opportunities that our male counterparts often take for granted.

“But let us be clear: these challenges are not insurmountable. In fact, they are what make us stronger, more determined, and more united in our pursuit of equality.

“The very act of overcoming these obstacles has equipped us with a unique set of skills and perspectives that are invaluable in the world of business.

“We have learned to be adaptable, to think creatively, and to lead with a sense of purpose and compassion that drives not only profits but also positive social impact,” she said.

Chigunduru further revealed that as women leaders, they have the power to influence not only their organizations but also the broader economy and society.

“Our decisions impact not just the bottom line but the lives of employees, customers, and communities.

“With this power comes responsibility—a responsibility to lead with integrity, to prioritize social impact alongside financial success, and to use our platforms to advocate for the rights and opportunities of all women.

“In closing, I want to express my deep admiration for each of you here today. Your achievements, your resilience, and your leadership are a testament to the strength of women everywhere. Together, we are not just breaking barriers; we are building bridges—bridges that connect women across industries, sectors, and generations. Let us continue to stand in solidarity, to support one another’s growth, and to lead with the courage, conviction, and compassion that define us as women.

“The future of leadership is female, and that future is bright. Together, we will continue to empower, elevate, and excel,” she added.

Muchanyara Mukamuri, Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ), said that as an organisation, they believe that the advancement of women’s leadership is crucial to achieving gender equality and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.

“We stand firm in our commitment to empower women at all levels of society, ensuring that their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their contributions are recognized.

“The Summit represents a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to elevate women into leadership roles across all sectors.

“However, we recognize that for true inclusivity and representation, it is imperative that grassroots women are not only present but actively engaged in these discussions.

“In this regard, the women’s movement has ensured the participation of women from the grassroots by bringing them to the table from all corners of Zimbabwe.

“Grassroots women, often overlooked in leadership dialogues, bring invaluable perspectives shaped by their lived experiences within communities.

“They are the backbone of local economies, the nurturers of future generations, and the defenders of human rights at the most basic level.

“This is why as the women’s movement we are making a case for women leadership and representation, not only at national level, but also at community level and at the very grassroots.

“Therefore as the women’s movement, we have concerted our efforts to mobilise diverse women from the grassroots to ensure their meaningful participation and representation during this Summit.

“We view this as an intersectional and strategic necessity for crafting policies and initiatives that are truly reflective of the needs and aspirations of all Zimbabwean women in their diversity” said Mukamuri.

She also revealed that as the women’s movement, they are worried about the numerous events unfolding in the country and across the globe.

“We have noted serious regression and push-back on women’s leadership not only in Zimbabwe but the world over.

“We continue to note that across the globe, that women persistently face numerous challenges—challenges that are often compounded by patriarchal systems, socio-economic barriers, and political violence.

“Yet despite these obstacles, women continue to lead with courage, with resilience, and with an unwavering commitment to justice.”

She also revealed that they remain committed committed to ensuring that the Women Leadership Summit serves as a catalyst for transformative change.

“By centering diverse women in these critical conversations, we are not only amplifying their voices but also building a more equitable and just society for all.

“Together, we can achieve a future where every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to lead, influence, and thrive.

“The women’s movement reaffirms its commitment ad readiness to work with the Government and all stakeholders in pursuing strategies to address the numerous obstacles faced by women in leadership.

“This summit is more than just a gathering of women leaders; it is a demonstration of our unity and strength.

“It is a clear message to all those who doubt or oppose our progress: that we are united in our resolve to create a world where women’s leadership is not the exception, but the norm,” added Mukamuri.

The summit which started yesterday, ends this Friday.

**Minister Monica Mutsvangwa (fourth from left) poses with women at the Summit**

Women are the chief architects of equality-Minister Mutsvangwa

**Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Women are the chief architects of equality and they should realise that power which they seek and deserve, will never be given to them on a silver platter; Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has said.

Minister Mutsvangwa added women should also support each other to lead, as they are capable and are equally responsible to shape the country’s future.

She said this on Thursday, the first day of the High-Level Women in Leadership Summit, which is being held in Harare.

The summit which is ending this Friday, is running under the theme“Accelerating Gender Parity through Collective Action: Strengthening Accountability and Solidarity to Transform Policies into Tangible Progress”.

“It is heartening to see that women have realised that as women ourselves, we can be the chief architects of equality, as power will never be given to us on a silver platter, we have to claim it!

“Your support will not go in vain and I believe we shall continue to walk together on the road to a future where a woman’s right to lead is not questioned but celebrated; where young girls can dream without limits; and where we can finally say, with unwavering conviction, that the playing field has been levelled,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa further revealed that the summit which is being attended from women from various sectors, should not be just a mere talk show, but should foster ways to increase women’s participation in leadership and decision making.

“I however want to highlight that the annual women in leadership summit should not just be a routine event, but a ‘National Platform’ for; annual agenda-setting and interaction on opportunities to increase women’s participation in leadership and decision-making; to ensure accountability on gender equality and women empowerment and to provide a platform for forming strong coalitions, networking and knowledge sharing for women leaders.

“As we deliberate during the next two days, let us avoid another talk show but rather an outcome that brings change in the lives of the women that we represent,” she said.

The minister added that it was good to note that the country’s 2013 Constitution’s gender positive attributes were a source of great pride as it is an instrument to put forward the holistic inclusion of women and the girl child in the full spectrum of socio-economic endeavors.

She however noted that despite the different legal and policy frameworks, women are still underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions, in boardrooms of public and private sector organizations, in Parliament, and on several decision-making platforms.

She noted that it was good to acknowledge some advances that have been made like the striving for 50-50 gender parity.

“As we strive to achieve 50-50 gender parity in politics and other areas, we should acknowledge efforts achieved this far.

“This includes the extension of the women’s parliamentary quota and the introduction of the quota system at the Local Government level.

“His Excellency, the President, Comrade E.D Mnangagwa has also appointed women to strategic leadership positions namely; The President of Senate, the Attorney General, the Prosecutor General, Chairperson of ZEC, Chairperson of Mutapa Investment Fund, Chairperson of Zimbabwe Gender Commission among others.

“His Excellency, President Mnangagwa has also appointed a considerable number of women as Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Ambassadors.

“We have started somewhere and we hope the trajectory towards increasing women in leadership sustained,” she said.

Turning onto women’s economic empowerment; she also acknowledged that several women had made it and excelled after venturing into previously male-dominated business areas.

She appluaded women who have made it in various business areas such as; engineering, mining, ICT, security, Finance, Insurance, manufacturing and others.

Minister Mutsvangwa however said there was still more to be done, as women still face several challenges.

“It is however important to note that women still face challenges with regard to equitable access to credit, financial services, infrastructure, markets.

“Economic marginalisation also prevents a lot of women from participating in politics, a domain which has been highly commercialised.

“This also explains why the private sector must be mobilized as a key partner in this endeavour,” she said.

In order to promote gender equality, Minister Mutsvangwa also gave several suggestions, including proposing for the setting up of a National Academy of Gender Studies at all universities.

She also proposed that the Women’s University should host the National Chair of the Gender Academy.

She added that the Gender Academy should identify role models and cast them as pace-setters as their case studies will be highlighted for easy and fast emulation saying “the human mind learns faster by example.”

“The National Gender Academy would pool knowledge and practice and set high standards in all areas of study, including in the emergent knowledge tools of Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy.

“We need to accelerate the slow pace of rural work space provision for our women, bearing in mind that the majority of the population is still rural, and hence the slow pace implementation gives poor rewards and perpetuates rural poverty.

“Every effort must therefore be made to lessen the drudgery of the rural economy which inordinately weighs down the woman and the girl child.

“We must seize on the advances in technological progress to deliver light and energy through harnessing solar power, strive to have on-site potable water through boreholes, provide appropriate solar powered vehicle mobility, ensure easier access to markets, furnish digital cloud-based education and strive for universal financial inclusion.

“This avenue must consequently speed up the drive to climate proof farming through rewarding and innovative research and development.

“Pfumvudza, fish acqua-culture, village business units must be adopted and finessed to improve livelihoods by lessening the burden on women,” she said.

The minister further revealed that there was need to take a closer and studied look on the small to medium enterprises sector such that all incentives are availed to grow this all-important sector that constitutes 60-80 per cent of Gross Domestic Product.

She added that women and the girl child are the majority anchors of the SME sector.

And she also revealed that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects should be pushed more for education by the girl child.

“Science and technology create the goods and services that define wealth in society.

“It is vital to dispel gender stereotypes about access to science and technology.”

Minister Mutsvangwa added further there was need to forge intergenerational connections, ensuring that the vision which was being articulated, resonates with and inspires the next generation of leaders, the young women.

“As we look forward, we must also never forget the historical antecedence of the liberation struggles that have bequeathed to us this foundation on which our empowerment is based.

“We must recall the high-water mark of these epic struggles that was attained during the Chimurenga-Mvukelo National Liberation War.

“We must commit to memory the experiences of the heightened patriotic consciousness of the 1960-70s Samora Machel- Soweto Generation, that witnessed thousands of young women abscond the privileges of schooling to join and hurl themselves into the anti-colonial, anti-racist and anti-apartheid militant fight against the entrenched racist settler minority rule in the southern tip of Africa.

“The prosecution of the various asymmetric guerrilla wars of necessity obviated the full inclusion and participation of the other female gender half of the populace.

“Otherwise, the victory of the scientific People’s Wars would simply not have been attainable if it had been prosecuted with only the male gender participating,” she added.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Mavis Sibanda said thesummit’s objectives were, “to provide a platform to take stock of progress made towards the achievement of gender parity in women’s participation in decision-making and economic empowerment, interrogate emerging gaps, and devise strategies and innovative approaches to achieve gender parity in line with the national, regional and global commitments and targets.

“To Leverage on Zimbabwe’s SADC Chairmanship as women leaders and drive the Regional momentum for Women’s Leadership and Gender Parity.

“To provide a platform for us to engage with duty bearers to promote accountability to translate policy into action by disseminating a Communique with a set of key strategies and actions on promoting women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, economy and the private sector to duty bearers.

“To promote solidarity among women leaders, exchange of ideas and experience-sharing on women’s participation in leadership and decision-making and women’s economic empowerment.

“Facilitate strategic and constructive male engagement and retention of gender-sensitive male champions who will spearhead advocacy on women’s equal participation in decision-making and economic spheres.

“To take stock of progress made in translating policy into action to enhance women’s participation in leadership and decision-making and economic empowerment as a follow up to the 2023 high-level Intergenerational Dialogue on Women’s Political Participation and Women’s Leadership.”

WDN Zim launches InvestInHerCampaign

**Daphne Machiri, Campaign Coordinator**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) Zimbabwe has launched the InvestInHerCampaign which seeks to advocate for the increased political and socio-economic empowerment of women.

The campaign which is running for the month of March, which is known as the Women’s History Month, will seek to amplify women’s voices, action and leadership.

Daphne Machiri, Campaign Coordinator, further added that it (campaign) is also meant to celebrate women’s power, resilience, leadership and respect.

“The objective of the campaign is to, promote women’s inclusion and participation in democratic processes; commemorate women’s month by raising public awareness on International Women’s Day on the 8^th under the theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, on WDN ZW social media platforms and to create platforms for promoting women political leaders solidarity support.

“In addition, the campaign seeks to recognize women’s achievements in political leadership facets and not only politically and also their contributions towards socio-economic development.

“In promoting sustainable democracy, by promoting women political leaders, decision making positions and process claiming to take action to drive gender parity; women leaders and gender champions will be sharing their experience, success, challenges and their opinion during the #InvestinHerCampaign through their voices on various media platforms.

“Nonetheless, WDN’s willpower and contributions are to champion and advance women’s rights and inclusion, in addressing gender imbalance in Zimbabwe’s political leadership,” said Machiri.

She further revealed that WDN-ZW’s work fosters change in making sure there are equal opportunities for both men and women to participate in all levels of political decision making.

“We are working towards a gender equal world, a world free of partiality, stereotyping, discrimination, ferocity.

“A world that is inclusive, equitable and diverse. Women working towards achieving equality in leadership positions collectively and rise to stimulate inclusion in line with international women’s day theme.

“This campaign therefore provides an opportunity to increase political will, commitment and encourage political decision makers to strive to ensure adequate space is created for women and support mechanisms are strengthened to ensure public recognition and respect of women’s rights and leadership across multiple sectors in the country; be it political, economic and social.

“Furthermore, the WDN #InvestInHerCampaign also seeks to leverage voices on issues that affect women’s participation in leadership and decision making process, the campaign will be an opportunity for women led organisations from various sectors to make concerted efforts in creating more opportunities for women and strive to ensure gender equality,” added Machiri.

It was also stressed that women must have consistent representation in the political arena, and this can only happen when they have access to equal opportunities to participate in all levels of political decision making. It was also revealed that there are exceptional measures which must be put in place so as to address this imbalance, so as to ensure that women are fully involved in Zimbabwe and the world’s political leadership.

Machiri also revealed that in overcoming barriers faced by women; strengthening women’s leadership capacities and gender responsive policy making is crucial for the development and progress of any society and key to achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls).

It was also revealed that unlocking women’s power will mean ensuring an enabling environment for women to assert and enjoy their rights, facilitating women equal leadership and participation in democracy processes opportunities, access to education and healthcare, and the ability to make decisions that affect their lives.

“When women own their power, they are able to contribute significantly and sustainably to the economy, participate in politics, and advocate for their rights, “ added Machiri.