MILLICENT HUNGWE
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) marked its 10th anniversary in style with a high-level Provincial Gender Forum held at Bethany House Sisters of the Child Jesus in Masvingo City.
The event ran under the theme “ZGC @10: Reflecting on Achievements and the Future for Gender Equality in Zimbabwe,” on July 17.
The forum brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the community to reflect on a decade of ZGC’s work in advancing gender equality.
The event was graced by the Chairperson of the Commission, Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, and Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira.
In her speech, Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe outlined significant milestones achieved by the commission over the past 10 years.
“We’ve made strong strides in achieving gender balance in leadership and in promoting corrective actions through policymaking structures and engagement,” she said.
She highlighted the establishment of a national call centre dedicated to reporting Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which has significantly improved response and documentation of cases.
“We’ve handled over 4,000 complaints, including issues of land and property disputes, child marriages, workplace harassment, and chieftainship conflicts,” she added.
Mukahanana-Sangarwe also noted that the ZGC had submitted strategic policy recommendations to Parliament, the Executive, Judiciary, and other stakeholders, aimed at eliminating gender inequalities.
The Commission has expanded its physical presence through the decentralization of services, establishing provincial offices in Bulawayo, Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland, and Mashonaland West. Its permanent headquarters, known as the House of Gender Equality, was established in Harare.
However, she acknowledged operational challenges, particularly limited funding, which restricts the commission’s ability to broaden its programmes and reach.
Minister Chadzamira commended the Commission’s decade-long efforts, praising its dual approach in celebrating achievements while focusing on the future.
“This forum has created an important platform for all stakeholders to engage on gender equality, equity, and mainstreaming.
“We are proud that the Government of Zimbabwe established ZGC as a constitutional body,” he said.
The event concluded with renewed focus group discussions of GBV, cultural, religious barriers, gender, constitutional, legal rights, women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion, political participation and leadership.
