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On International Women’s Day 2025 held under the theme “Equality. Rights. Empowerment”, the United Nations joined other stakeholders to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in Zimbabwe and around the world.
Speaking in Mutare in celebration of the day on 7 March 2025, His Excellency Mr. Edward Kallon, Zimbabwe’s UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, underscored the need to reflect on the remarkable milestones achieved through the implementation of various UN Resolutions, advocating for equal rights, opportunities, and power.
Celebrated annually on 08 March, International Women’s Day challenges stakeholders to uphold the above-mentioned values for women and girls globally.
“As we honour the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it is evident that the world remains deeply unequal. This day is a call to ensure the promises of the Beijing Declaration are fulfilled to create an equal and improved world for all.
The Beijing Declaration is a crucial framework that has substantially advanced women’s rights worldwide. While we celebrate progress, we must also address the ongoing challenges that persist,” HE Kallon said.
According to UN Women’s latest report, “Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing,” issued before the UN’s 50th International Women’s Day, nearly a quarter of governments reported a regression in women’s rights in 2024.
Despite progress, only 87 countries have ever had a woman leader, and tragically, a woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by an intimate partner or family member. Moreover, harmful stereotypes perpetuated by digital technology and the digital gender gap limit opportunities for women.
Zimbabwe has shown promising progress in gender equality. Government policies have increased women’s participation in leadership and public life, with women occupying prominent roles in government and the private sector. The Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank plays a significant role in empowering women economically and providing necessary support to women entrepreneurs.
The UN, a steadfast partner in Zimbabwe’s journey towards gender equality, has collaborated with Development Partners, the European Union, government, and civil society through initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative. This collaboration has made significant strides to eliminate gender-based violence and promote women’s rights.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission underscored the urgency to consolidate the progress made over the past decade while addressing persistent gender inequalities that impede the full realization of women’s rights.
It called for the expedited implementation of constitutional provisions on gender equality, the elimination of harmful practices, and the dismantling of structural barriers limiting women’s participation in decision-making, economic empowerment, and access to justice.
This year’s theme challenges all sectors of society to intensify efforts towards equal rights, opportunities, and power, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind in the journey towards inclusive development.
