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The United Nations remains resolute in its support for the Government of Zimbabwe as it strives to achieve sustainable development goals, particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, it has emerged.
This was revealed by His Excellency Mr. Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in his remarks at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Development Partners Interface Meeting held in Harare on 10 February 2025.
He said the UN partnership is solidified through the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF), which is intricately aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This framework serves to foster inclusive economic growth, social protection, and gender parity.
HE Kallon paid tribute to the UN Women for the continued technical support to the Ministry of Women Affairs in promoting gender equality and empowering women across Zimbabwe. Government initiatives, such as enhancing women’s political participation and addressing gender-based violence, have been instrumental in driving the UN’s mandate on gender issues.
He said empirical evidence and multiple data sets indicate that achieving gender equality, represented by eight key SDG indicators, will require an annual investment of US$6.4 trillion from 2023 to 2030, equivalent to 20.5% of the collective GDP of 48 developing countries, revealing a significant funding gap of US$360 billion annually.
In Zimbabwe, the UN has been actively collaborating with the government to roll out the six transitions as investment pathways (Food Systems, Education Transformation, Access to Energy, Digital Connectivity, Jobs and Social Protection, Climate Change, Bio-Diversity, and Pollution) to tackle pressing development issues that would redouble efforts to accelerate progress on the SDGs including gender equality. Our value proposition and partnerships aim to formulate and implement policies that accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and enhance the livelihoods of all Zimbabweans.
“Today, I urge all stakeholders—government officials, development partners, civil society, and the private sector—to continue to fortify strong partnerships and collaboration. Together, we can create a nurturing environment for women and girls, providing them with equitable opportunities to succeed. Collective action is critical in our quest to build a more inclusive and just society.
“Together, as we embark on such an innovative approach and strong partnerships for gender equality in particular and sustainable development in general, I reiterate the UN’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Government of Zimbabwe. Together, we can impact the lives of women and girls, and by extension, support the Government and people of Zimbabwe to achieve its development aspiration,” HE Kallon said.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small, and Medium Enterprises Hon. Senator Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted the importance of having dialogue and collaboration on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment between the UN and the ministry to foster a deeper understanding of shared objectives, aligning efforts, and mobilising resources towards collective results.
“Your financial and technical contributions have been instrumental in achieving this, demonstrating the power of partnerships and collective action in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in our nation.
“In the same vein, numerous significant GEWE events are on the horizon for 2025, necessitating continued and robust support from all our development partners,” Hon Mutsvangwa said.
