By Violet Mashonga
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) marked a significant milestone with the 2025 Provincial Gender Forum, held at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) in Mashonaland West Province on July 22, 2025.
The forum brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality in Zimbabwe over the past decade and shape a coordinated approach towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Marian Chombo highlighted the importance of the forum in aligning with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030. She commended the ZGC for organizing the forum, which provided a platform for strategic dialogue and planning.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Marian Chombo
Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe revealed that the ZGC has resolved 4,000 cases of gender-based discrimination since its establishment, with most involving inheritance disputes, child marriages, and sexual violence.
She highlighted the Commission’s achievements over the past decade, including holding institutions accountable for gender compliance, promoting greater gender balance in leadership, and strengthening reporting mechanisms for gender-related complaints.
The ZGC has also made significant strides in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. The Commission has established 5 Provincial offices in Masvingo, Bulawayo, Midlands, Mashonaland West, and Manicaland, and has operationalized a dedicated call center to facilitate reporting of gender-based violations.
Additionally, the ZGC has conducted gender audits of political parties and established a Gender Observatory to monitor gender issues in the political and electoral process.
Through its Women Rise in Politics program, the ZGC has accelerated women’s political empowerment, equipping and aspiring female leaders with critical campaign skills and political forums.
The Commission’s work is guided by the principles of leaving no one and no place behind, and its efforts have contributed significantly to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe.
The forum aimed to identify strategic advocacy areas, generate practical recommendations, and reinforce partnerships to advance the gender equality agenda.
Through presentations, discussions, and sharing of insights, participants worked towards creating a more equitable future for all Zimbabweans.
The forum was a critical precursor to the National Gender Forum, and its outcomes would inform policy and programming to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe.
As the ZGC celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is clear that the Commission has made significant progress in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
However, there is still much work to be done, and the Commission’s continued efforts will be crucial in achieving the country’s development goals.
With its permanent headquarters in Harare, aptly named the ,House of Gender Equality, the ZGC is well-positioned to drive change and promote a more equitable society for all Zimbabweans.
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