PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ZIMBABWE GENDER COMMISSION ON THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025
Theme: “Accelerate Action”
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “Accelerate Action.” This theme holds significant meaning for Zimbabwe as the nation continues to strive for gender equality and women’s empowerment in alignment with constitutional mandates and global commitments.
For the ZGC, “Accelerate Action” underscores 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 calls 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.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution provides a robust framework for gender equality. Gender equality is one of the founding values and principles of Zimbabwe. Section 17 mandates the State to promote full gender balance including equal representation of women in leadership positions, Section 56 prohibits discrimination based on sex and gender among other grounds, and Section 80 guarantees women’s equal rights in political, economic, and social spheres. However, the full implementation of these provisions remains a challenge. Accelerating action requires deliberate measures such as establishing accountability mechanisms, increasing resources for women’s leadership training, and adopting binding quotas to achieve gender parity. It is also an opportunity to prioritize advocacy for a Gender Equality Law that will breathe life to the comprehensive constitutional provisions on gender.
This year, as the Zimbabwe Gender Commission celebrates its 10th anniversary, it reflects on a decade of unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality. Since its establishment in 2015, the Commission has championed transformative changes in partnership with the government, civil society, and international stakeholders, playing a pivotal role in promoting women’s rights and fostering an inclusive society.
Over the past decade, the Commission has worked tirelessly to address gender-based discrimination, promote women’s rights, and ensure that gender equality is prioritized in public policy and practice. Through our various initiatives, we have sought to create a society where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to national development.
Key Achievements
In line with Section 233 of the Zimbabwean Constitution, which highlights the promotion of gender equality, public participation, transparency, and accountability, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission has made significant strides in advancing women’s rights and empowerment.
- Policy Development: The Commission successfully formulated and advocated for gender-sensitive policies addressing systemic challenges faced by women and girls, reinforcing constitutional provisions on gender balance and women’s participation in all spheres of society (Section 233(c)).
- Awareness Campaigns: Nationwide awareness campaigns on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and women’s rights were conducted, mobilizing communities to engage in dialogue and advocate for inclusive development policies and programmes (Section 233(d)).
- Capacity Building: The Commission empowered institutions, communities, and individuals through training and resources to uphold gender equality, fostering institutional accountability, justice, and transparency (Section 233(f)).
- Correcting Past Imbalances: Across all its initiatives, the Commission has prioritized addressing historical gender disparities by promoting the welfare of marginalized women and girls, aligned with Section 233(i) of the Constitution.
As Zimbabwe commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30) and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission marks a decade of advancing gender equality in Zimbabwe. The call to “Accelerate Action” is more urgent than ever. The Commission urges all stakeholders to step up their efforts in eliminating gender-based violence, improving women’s access to resources, and creating an enabling environment where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.
On this International Women’s Day, we urge all Zimbabweans to join us in the fight for gender equality. Let us work together to create an inclusive society where the rights of every individual are respected and upheld. We invite everyone to participate in activities and discussions aimed at celebrating women’s achievements and addressing the challenges they face. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission reaffirms its commitment to accelerating gender equality by 2030. Together, we can build a Zimbabwe where no woman or girl is left behind.
“Accelerate Action” is not just a theme—it is a call to urgency, a demand for accountability, and a commitment to ensuring that the next decade of gender equality in Zimbabwe is marked by real, transformative progress.
“As we celebrate Beijing+30 and our 10th anniversary, we honour the resilience of Zimbabwean women. True equality demands action today. Let us dismantle barriers, uplift marginalized voices, and ensure every woman and girl can claim her right to dignity, safety, and power.”
Download statement: ZGC International Women day 2025 statement (f)
