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Writes Sirak Gebrehiwot
Harare – In a vibrant celebration captioned with remarks by senior officials from Government, UN, and Development Partners, a panel discussion, and a stirring performance by Hope Masike, UN Women in Zimbabwe galvanized stakeholders in Harare to honor women and girls on 2 April 2025. The event, marking the end of a month-long advocacy campaign linked to International Women’s Day, brought together 100 delegates, including representatives from government, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, and women’s rights organizations.
The event marked the unveiling of two studies co-published by UN Women and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries. These studies, “Baseline Survey on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment within the Private Sector in Zimbabwe” and “The Impact of Austerity Measures on Women-Owned Businesses in Zimbabwe,” highlight research’s pivotal role in fostering data-driven strategies for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Our Unsung Heroes” – Inspiring Words from Ms. Fatou Lo, UN Women Country Representative in Zimbabwe, in her impactful address, celebrated the contributions of Zimbabwean women who shattered glass ceilings, including Kirsty Coventry, who became the 10th IOC President—the first female, first African, and youngest to ever hold the position. “These stories are a testament to the incredible potential of women,” she noted, emphasizing women’s resilience in adversity.
Ms. Lo echoed sentiments from UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director Ms. Sima Bahous: “We have faced it before. We have not backed down. And we will not back down,” emphasizing a collective resolve to not surrender in the pursuit of gender equality and women empowerment.
The 2025 International Women’s Day coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, prompting reflection on significant progress and a renewed commitment to future challenges. Fatou Lo emphasized six +1 key actions from the Beijing+30 framework, including bridging the digital gender gap and promoting sustainable economic development.
Addressing the event on behalf of the UN System in Zimbabwe, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Edward Kallon reiterated the importance of the 30-year milestone of the Beijing Framework. “Women are the backbone of our communities and economies,” Mr. Kallon stated, urging actionable commitment to dismantle barriers to gender equality. Mr. Kallon emphasized the critical need to elevate women in Zimbabwe’s agrarian and informal sectors, addressing underrepresentation in leadership and gender wage disparities—key steps toward sustainable development.
In a call to action with visual information, the launch of the survey studies, messages, and performance, stakeholders were urged to remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing rights, equality, and empowerment for women and girls globally. Emphasizing the call to action, Mr. Kallon spotlighted the message from UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres: “When women and girls can rise, we all thrive.” This statement underscores the universal benefits of ensuring gender equality and the empowerment of women, highlighting it as critical for creating thriving communities and societies.
In a video message screened at the event, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, thanked UN Women and other UN Agencies for their support of Zimbabwe’s gender equality and women empowerment programmes. She highlighted the Government’s work to bridge the financial gap for women’s economic empowerment through refinancing the women’s bank and providing concessionary credit facilities.
Dr. Mavis Sibanda, Permanent Secretary for Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, highlighted Zimbabwe’s constitutional commitment to women’s rights, framing gender equality as a moral and societal imperative. Her Ministry’s initiatives include climate adaptation training and improving women’s access to renewable energy, demonstrating Zimbabwe’s drive for resilience and empowerment.
The event not only celebrated Zimbabwean women’s invaluable role but also served as a rallying cry for continued commitment and actionable change to ensure a future of rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls.
In a closing remark, His Excellency Mr. Adler Aristilde of Canada, Co-Chair of He for She Champions, acknowledged a united front encompassing government, development partners, donors, civil society, and UN Agencies in the push for gender equality. Representing Canada and the He for She Champions in Zimbabwe, he outlined upcoming initiatives focusing on girls’ education and combatting gender-based violence.
“Together, we can dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and forge an inclusive future where equality is not just an aspiration but an attained reality,” Aristilde stated, reinforcing a commitment to a future where women’s empowerment underpins social advancement and inclusive prosperity.
Sirak Gebrehiwot is the UN Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.
