By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
One of the significant challenges in achieving gender equality by 2030 is the substantial annual deficit of 360 billion USD in spending on gender equality interventions, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr Edward Kallon has said.
Speaking at UN Women International Women’s Day reception in Harare, Mr Kallon said Zimbabwe had made commendable progress in upholding the human rights of women and girls as equal citizens.
“As a signatory to international treaties and conventions, Zimbabwe’s commitment to advancing the women’s agenda has been strong. Yet this year’s theme – invest in women, accelerate progress – reminds us that achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment also requires money on the table,” Mr Kallon said.
He reiterated UN Development System in Zimbabwe’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small, Medium, and Enterprises Development in implementing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment National Priorities (2024-2030).
“Our support ranges from advocating for new laws, supporting impactful women’s economic empowerment initiatives, to implementing strategies for women in leadership roles, and promoting a green and inclusive economy,” he said.
In Zimbabwe, UN initiatives continue to focus on advancing SDG 5 under the Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-2026).
An analysis of Zimbabwe’s SDG Index in 2023 shows moderate improvements in SDG 5. Areas such as legal frameworks, violence against women, employment, and economic benefits have contributed to these achievements, but further efforts are needed.
Various joint programmes, including the Zimbabwe Spotlight Initiative funded by European Union, have engaged multiple stakeholders to prioritize areas for progress in gender equality, such as enhancing access to education and strengthening policies for social protection.
To catalyze actual change in achieving gender equality, he overemphasized the need for strategic investment, data utilization, inclusive finance, and engagement of men and boys as allies.
He called on stakeholders to:
- Invest Strategically: Allocate resources to programmes that empower women economically, socially, and politically.
- Leverage Data: Utilize gender-disaggregated data for informed decision-making on Gender.
- Promote Inclusive Finance: Ensure women’s access to financial services, credit, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Amplify Voices: Engage men and boys as allies in the pursuit of gender equality.
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