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Christabel Mutandwa-Herald Correspondent 

In the journey towards achieving comprehensive national development, the empowerment of women has emerged as a pivotal strategy for Zimbabwe. 

Over the years, the Government has recognised the indispensable role of women in economic growth and societal progress.

Zimbabwe is actively engaged in implementing a comprehensive array of policies and initiatives aimed at fostering an environment conducive to the full participation and meaningful contribution of women in the nation’s development trajectory.

These multifaceted strategies encompass various sectors and dimensions of society, ranging from economic empowerment programmes to educational initiatives and legal reforms. 

By addressing systemic barriers and entrenched inequalities, Zimbabwe is laying the groundwork for women to thrive as equal partners, driving progress and prosperity across the country.

Since the early post-independence era, the Zimbabwean Government has been steadfast in its commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. 

The establishment of the Women’s Affairs Department and the adoption of the Zimbabwean National Gender Policy in 1997 marked significant milestones in this endeavour.

These initiatives were designed to dismantle the systemic barriers that had long hindered women’s participation in economic activities, including discriminatory laws and cultural practices.

In recent years, Zimbabwe has redoubled its commitment to women’s economic empowerment, recognising its pivotal role in achieving overarching development objectives. 

To this end, Government has launched two key initiatives aimed at bolstering gender equality and fostering women’s economic participation.

The first initiative focuses on enhancing access to financial resources and entrepreneurship opportunities for women entrepreneurs, ensuring they can access the necessary capital and support to establish and grow successful businesses.

This programme aligns closely with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), seeking to harness women’s entrepreneurial potential as a driving force for sustainable economic growth and development.

The second initiative centres on promoting gender-responsive policies and institutional frameworks across all sectors of society.

By mainstreaming gender considerations into policy-making processes and institutional structures, Zimbabwe aims to create an enabling environment where women can thrive and actively contribute to the country’s development trajectory.

These initiatives underscore Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment as indispensable pillars of its national development agenda.

Despite commendable progress, it is evident that women in Zimbabwe still face multifaceted challenges.

Limited access to credit and finance, inadequate educational opportunities, and gender-based violence remain persistent obstacles to women’s full participation in the economy. 

Moreover, entrenched cultural norms and stereotypes continue to constrain women’s choices and opportunities. However, Government is not complacent in the face of these challenges. 

Initiatives such as the Women’s Empowerment Fund and the Women’s Bank have been introduced to provide financial support to women entrepreneurs.

Non-Governmental Organisations have also played a crucial role in providing training and support to women across various sectors.

Furthermore, Zimbabwe has demonstrated its commitment to international frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

By signing and ratifying key agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the country has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality on the global stage.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe’s Government is poised to implement a comprehensive strategy aimed at mainstreaming gender equality across all facets of society.

At the forefront of this initiative is the National Gender Policy Implementation Strategy and Action Plan, meticulously designed to align with global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the national Vision 2030.

Through this holistic approach, Government seeks to accelerate progress towards achieving gender parity by systematically addressing the root causes of gender-based disparities and inequities in various sectors.

By integrating gender-responsive policies and programmes into governance structures, educational institutions, healthcare systems, and economic frameworks, Zimbabwe aims to create an inclusive society where women and men have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. This forward-looking strategy also encompasses targeted interventions to address the multifaceted challenges hindering women’s empowerment and advancement.

By prioritising initiatives that enhance women’s access to education, healthcare, economic resources, and leadership positions, Zimbabwe aims to dismantle the barriers that impede women’s full participation in society.

Moreover, Government is committed to fostering a culture of gender sensitivity and inclusivity, promoting awareness and understanding of gender issues at all levels of society.

Through collaborative efforts with civil society organisations, academic institutions, and private sector partners, Zimbabwe is poised to usher in a new era of gender equality and women’s empowerment, laying the foundation for a more just and prosperous future for all its citizens.

Crucially, Government recognises that the inclusion of women in decision-making processes is essential for achieving sustainable development. 

The National Women in Leadership and Decision-Making Strategy 2023-2030 aims to increase women’s representation in the public, political, and private sectors, ensuring that their voices are heard and their perspectives are considered in shaping the nation’s future.

Women in Zimbabwe are not just beneficiaries of development; they are its architects and champions. 

By harnessing their talents and energies, Zimbabwe is forging a path towards inclusive and sustainable development. 

As the nation strives towards its vision of becoming an upper middle-income country by 2030, the empowerment of women will continue to be a linchpin of its success story.

Through concerted efforts and unwavering commitment, Zimbabwe is poised to unleash the full potential of its women, driving progress and prosperity for all.