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Blessings Chidakwa and Columbus Mabika
Women must have equal access to resources and should be considered for decision-making positions, a Cabinet minister has said.

Addressing a Press conference to mark International Women’s Day in Harare yesterday, Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said the Government was committed to upholding the welfare of women.

“The international theme for this year celebrations is ‘Each for Equal’ which is a call for member states to come up with practical ways to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women. This gives focus to areas of work, access to resources and public services as well as participation in decision-making.

“Women and girls face multiple forms of marginalisation across sectors due to the gender power relations, to that end my ministry firmly positions itself to ensure social protection, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure are holistically addressed in order to uplift women,” she said.

Government, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, has been playing a leading role in uplifting women in society, although there is still a gap. Under the new dispensation, women are now heading ministries such as Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services as well as Industry and Commerce.

Five Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs are women. Government has also signed and ratified a number of regional and international conventions, treaties, declarations and protocols on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

This year’s national celebrations are slated for Masvingo later this month.