Launch of Beijing +30 National Consultations Marks Decades of Progress, Bold Commitments Towards Gender Equality in Zimbabwe

09 December 2024, Harare – In a drive for gender equality and women’s empowerment, Zimbabwe marked the commencement of the Beijing +30 national consultations, a significant step reflecting the nation’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

With the active participation of over 200 delegates representing the Government, UN, Development Partners, Civil Society, Women’s Movement, and the Private Sector, the event revealed a comprehensive review of progress, underscoring the strides made over the past three decades and setting the stage for future advancements.

Key speeches highlighted collaborative achievements and called for continued efforts. Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, pointed to improvements made in gender-based violence interventions, principally through the Spotlight Initiative, which benefited from a substantial US$30 million contribution from the European Union.

A standout achievement is the modernization of the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s DNA laboratory, which strengthens the legal infrastructure supporting the fight against gender-based violence. This initiative reflects a strategic approach to not only provide justice but also to actively engage men and boys, youth, and traditional leaders in fostering a culture of equality and respect.

Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, highlighted transformative initiatives for women’s economic empowerment. Through the creation of safe markets, micro-finance options, and industrial hubs, these programmes aim to elevate women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles. These efforts were a significant highlight at this year’s Women in Leadership Summit, showing a positive trend toward increased women’s representation in leadership positions.

Despite these positive developments, challenges persist. Gender parity in national legislatures remains a distant goal, with projections suggesting it may not be realized until 2063. Alarmingly, violence against women continues to affect one in three women globally, stressing the importance of sustained action.

EU Delegation Head of Government and Social Sector, Ms. Maria Horno Comet, emphasized the ongoing efforts of the Team Europe Initiative, aligning closely with Zimbabwe’s national strategies. She noted the establishment of 85 projects fostering a violence-free and gender-responsive society, encouraging economic opportunities, and supporting political gender parity.

Throughout the event, both Mr. Kallon and Minister Mutsvangwa called for stronger cooperation across governmental, civil society, and grassroots levels to ensure the Beijing Declaration’s promises become a living reality for all Zimbabwean women and girls.

UN Women Representative Ms. Fatou Lo concluded the gathering with a powerful advocacy for shared responsibility in advancing gender equality. She underscored the necessity of investing in women’s economic empowerment, education, health, and ending violence against women, promoting inclusive leadership across the nation.

Mwate Yetsa, a community leader from Harare, shared her inspiring story. As the leader of a women’s empowerment group, Yetsa emphasized the transformative impact of access to micro-finance, which enabled her and countless other women in her community to start their own businesses. “This initiative has changed our lives. It gave us hope and the means to support our families,” Yetsa expressed.

Similarly, Tapiwa Chikowore, a young male advocate for gender equality from Bulawayo, highlighted his involvement with the HeForShe campaign, demonstrating the importance of male engagement. “Working towards gender equality benefits all of us. It creates a balanced, fair society where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed,” Chikowore remarked.

As Zimbabwe launched a national consultation along the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, the reflection on achievements and continued challenges offers a clear path forward. The event sets a resolute tone for upcoming work towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reaffirming a collective pledge to gender equality and empowerment.

The success of future campaigns depends on the sustained commitment and innovative policies that ensure gender equality becomes not just an objective but an enduring cultural reality.

The media and all stakeholders are invited to play crucial roles in galvanizing public support and redoubling their efforts towards the ambitious goals outlined in the Beijing Declaration.

This joint journey stands as a collective mission to root out the causes of gender imbalance and forge a future of genuine equality and empowerment for all women and girls in Zimbabwe.