The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) joins the nation in celebrating Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Anniversary under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030.” This year’s celebration holds dual significance, marking not only our nation’s 45th year of liberation, but also the 10th anniversary of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, a testament to our ongoing commitment to gender equality. We recognize the profound sacrifices made by our heroes and heroines in the fight for self-determination, and this day provides a vital opportunity to reflect on our progress towards a truly inclusive and equitable Zimbabwe.
The theme, “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030,” emphasizes the critical role of decentralized governance in fostering inclusive development. The ZGC underscores that gender equality must be at the forefront of all devolution and development initiatives. In line with this, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission has decentralized its operations into five provinces, namely Mashonaland-West, Masvingo, Midlands, Manicaland, and Matabeleland region.
The principles of decentralized governance, central to the theme, are articulated in Chapter 14 of the Constitution , which aims to foster democratic participation in governance and promote the development of provinces and local authorities. This constitutional framework provides the foundation for our aspirations towards equitable development and the full realization of gender equality.
Call to Action:
The Commission urges all stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the private sector, to:
- Adhere to the Constitution: Uphold Sections 2, 3 and 56 of the Constitution, underscoring the value and principle of gender equality and non-discrimination across all sectors.
- Promote Equitable Development: Apply Section 13 on National Development, emphasizing the protection and enhancement of the right of the people, particularly women, to equal opportunities in development, and Section 14 on employment, in all devolved development projects.
- Ensure Gender Parity in Devolution: Implement Section 17 of the Constitution by prioritizing women’s representation and participation in all levels of devolved governance structures.
- Eradicate Gender-Based Violence: Promote a culture of peace and tolerance, actively combating gender-based violence in all communities, as mandated in the Declaration of Rights set out in Sections 51, 52, and 57.
- Uphold Rights of Vulnerable Groups: Safeguard the rights of people with women and persons with disabilities as outlined in Sections 80 and 82, ensuring they are not marginalized or alienated from the devolution process.
As we look beyond 45 years of independence and ZGC’s 10 year anniversary, we reiterate our commitment to working with all stakeholders to build a Zimbabwe where every citizen, regardless of gender, is not left behind. By integrating a gender-responsive approach into our devolution and development initiatives, we can collectively advance towards achieving Vision 2030 and a genuinely equitable and prosperous future for all Zimbabweans. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission remains steadfast in its dedication to its Constitutional mandate.
Download statement:ZGC Independence day 2025 Press statement
For Gender Equality
For media inquiries and further information, please contact ZGC Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe 0712214203/ 0772869214, or Chief Executive Officer Virginia Muwanigwa 0712899543/ 0772327955.
