ZGC – NEWSSPACE

National Gender Forum recommendations should be implemented-Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe

**ZGC Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

This year’s National Gender Forum which will be held in Gwanda this Friday, will come up with recommendations which should be implemented so as to advance gender equality on a national scale.

This was revealed by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, during a press conference on Tuesday.

She was speaking ahead of the 2024 National Gender Forum, where the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, will be the guest of honour.

The National Gender Forum is built upon discussions from the Provincial Forums.

“What normally happens is that out of the National Gender Forums, there are going to be recommendations to specific institutions to take action on specific issues.

“So we will take those recommendations and forward them to those institutions which are supposed to respond.

“They are going to respond at the forum but we are also going to follow up to make sure that whatever has been raised is actually implemented.

“We make sure what whatever has been raised is actually taken care of, so that when we look at the next year’s gender forum, we look back at the recommendations from the last gender forum and see whether they have been implemented, if not, then we need to take them up again,” said Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe.

The theme for this year’s National Gender Forum is, “Gender, Environment, and Climate Change: Building Resilience and Sustainable Development through Gender Equality”.

The theme highlights the crucial intersection of gender issues with environmental challenges.

Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe further revealed that the “ZGC had successfully conducted nine Provincial Gender Forums across the country and these were vital for collecting local insights and addressing regional gender issues, involving community members, experts and stakeholders in impactful discussions.

“Gwanda has been chosen as this year’s host as part of the ZGC’s initiative to rotate the event across all 10 provinces, in alignment with the Government’s devolution drive.

“This rotation ensures that every region engages with national gender issues.

“Gwanda’s unique climate-related challenges, including significant impacts from the El Niño-induced drought, make it a critical location for discussing the intersection of gender, environment, and climate change.”

She further added that, “the interplay between gender, environment, and climate change is profound.

“Climate change often exacerbates gender inequalities by disrupting livelihoods, increasing food insecurity, and aggravating water and energy challenges.

“Women, particularly in Zimbabwe, face heightened vulnerabilities due to their reliance on natural resources.

“Addressing these challenges through gender-sensitive approaches is essential for fostering resilience and achieving sustainable development.

“The theme underscores the urgency of integrating gender perspectives into environmental policies, especially given the impacts of the El Niño- induced drought Zimbabwe is facing.”

She added that objectives of this year’s National Gender Forum include, map environmental and climate change challenges: identify specific issues affecting Zimbabwe, understand gendered impacts: examine how environmental degradation and climate change affect men and women differently and develop recommendations: propose strategies to build resilience and promote sustainable development through gender equality.

Women are vital agents of change-Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe

**Zimbabwe Gender Commission Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

While women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change, they are not only victims but they are also vital agents of change, Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe has said.

Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe added that women are also leaders in environmental conservation and sustainable development, hence they need all the support they deserve.

She was speaking at the 2024 Harare Provincial Gender Forum in Chitungwiza on Wednesday.

The Provincial Gender Forums were being held as a build up to the National Gender Forum, which is set to be held in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province on September 13.

And the Provincial Gender Forum was being held under the theme, ”Gender, Environment and Climate Change: Building Resilience and Sustainable Development through Gender Equality”.

“In as much as women and girls bear the brunt of environment and climate change challenges, we also acknowledge that women are not only victims of environment and climate change challenges, but they are also vital agents of change.

“They are often the leaders in environmental conservation and sustainable development hence the need to also support women’s leadership in climate decision making as well as support them to develop climate resilient livelihoods,” said Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe.

Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe said the Provincial Gender Forum deliberated on the gendered impact of environment and climate change challenges in the country and produce policy recommendations for improving the situation.

“This year’s Provincial Gender Forum is taking place at the backdrop of the 2023/2024 farming season being declared a drought year due to the El Nino phenomenon resulting in the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr. E.D Mnangagwa declaring the situation a state of emergency.

“Further, we also note other worrying environment and climate change challenges ranging from environmental degradation due to illegal and irresponsible mining activities, water, land and air pollution, mounting water and sanitation challenges and wetlands disruption among many other challenges.

“This year’s theme highlights the interconnection between gender, the environment, and climate change.

“Although men and women are impacted similarly by environment and climate change, women are disproportionately affected as they rely heavily on the environment for household provision and livelihoods.

“The impact however threatens to reverse the gains made over the years in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment by further exacerbating vulnerabilities through disrupted livelihoods, increased food insecurity, and compounded water and energy challenges,” she revealed.

She added that the interconnectedness between gender, environment and climate change in Zimbabwe is complex and multifaceted.

Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe revealed that by understanding these interconnected factors, we can work towards gender-equitable solutions that address the unique challenges faced by women in the context of environment and climate change through adopting gender-sensitive approaches to climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

**part of the crowd that attended the Provincial Gender Forum**

Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe said some of the factors include: “Gender roles and responsibilities: women are often responsible for natural resource management, such as collecting water and firewood, and farming.

“This makes them more vulnerable to climate-related changes in weather patterns and natural resources.

“Climate change impacts: Climate change exacerbates existing environmental challenges in Zimbabwe, including droughts, floods, and soil erosion. These impacts disproportionately affect women, who have limited access to resources, technology, and decision-making power.

“Environmental degradation: Deforestation, land degradation, and water pollution affect women’s livelihoods and health, as they rely on these resources for their daily needs.

“Agriculture and food security: Women are critical to agriculture and food security in Zimbabwe. “Climate change affects crop yields, livestock productivity, and food availability, placing additional burdens on women.

“Disaster risk reduction: Women are often excluded from decision-making processes related to disaster risk reduction and management, making them more vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

“Access to resources and technology: Women have limited access to climate-resilient technologies, such as solar-powered irrigation systems, and resources like credit and extension services.

“Cultural and social norms: Societal norms and expectations can limit women’s ability to adapt to climate change, as they may be restricted from participating in decision-making processes or accessing resources.

“Policy and programming: Gender-sensitive policies and programs are essential to address the gender-environment-climate change nexus in Zimbabwe. This includes integrating gender into climate change policies, providing training and capacity-building programs for women, and supporting women’s participation in decision-making processes.”

She also revealed that as ZGC, they acknowledge the tremendous efforts by multi-sectoral stakeholders in implementing various climate action and environmental protection initiatives.

And she added that they acknowledge efforts by Government in facilitating a conducive environment towards transforming society to be more gender sensitive.

“This also includes climate change policies in particular the recent adoption of the Zimbabwe Climate Change Gender Action Plan which provides a framework for mainstreaming gender in the climate change agenda.

“However, we note the need to move from policy to practice.

“It is therefore my hope that this Provincial Gender Forum will provide a platform to interrogate further the above issues and explore mitigation and adaptation strategies.

“Key among these is harnessing indigenous knowledge systems to address the existing environment and climate change challenges,” she noted.

Youths using technology to foster social change

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has said young people as digital natives, are leveraging technology not only to connect with millions but also to foster social change and support marginalized communities.

ZGC revealed this as they joined the world in commemorating the International Youth Day on Monday.

International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12 and this year’s theme was, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”.

“This year’s commemorations highlight the vital role of young people in driving inclusive and sustainable development through digital initiatives.

“Young people, as digital natives, are leveraging technology not only to connect with millions but also to foster social change and support marginalized communities.

“Their efforts in digital inclusion, bridging the digital divide, creating safe online spaces, and combating misinformation are pivotal in shaping a more equitable world.

“The Zimbabwe Gender Commission recognises the power of digital technology and that, when used responsibly, it is a tool that can be harnessed to drive the gender equality agenda,” read a statement from ZGC.

ZGC added, “we recognize that empowering young people, particularly through gender equality, is essential for national development and creating a more just society.

“Investing in youth-driven initiatives, especially in the digital realm, is crucial for maximizing their contributions to societal progress.

“The Commission also expresses concern about the rising trends of drug and substance abuse among young people. We therefore call upon the youth to say no to drugs and any negative influences.

“In view of the growing scourge of cyber bullying, ZGC reiterates that this is a criminal offence that Zimbabweans should desist from.”

ZGC further added that it important to recognise that early child marriages are robbing too many of the country’s youth of their future, hence citizens are reminded of the Constitutional obligations to uphold the best interests of the children.

“We call upon the government and other stakeholders to prioritize comprehensive youth programs and community initiatives, including investments in sports and recreational facilities.

“For government and other stakeholders to create safe work spaces for young people with due consideration of the specific needs of young women and girls.

“ZGC also calls for increased opportunities for young people in skills development leveraging on Education 5.0 model to ensure technological skills development in line with global trends.

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission remains committed to collaborating with partners to ensure a brighter, more equitable future for all young people. Let us collectively harness the power of our youth to build a prosperous Zimbabwe,” further added the statement.

The International Youth Day was established by the United Nations in 1999 to recognize the potential and contributions of young people around the world.

It was first celebrated on August 12, 2000.

The day aims to raise awareness about youth issues and concerns, promote ways to engage and empower young people and encourage governments, organisations, and individuals to support youth development.