ZGC Unveils Inclusive 2025 Gender Policy

Rutendo Mazhindu - ZimNow Reporter

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC)l aunched the 2025 National Gender Policy, laying out a robust framework to address gender inequalities through legal, social, and institutional reforms across all sectors of society.

The policy was unveiled during a dinner event at the Rainbow Towers Hotel, where ZGC Vice Chairperson Commissioner Obert Matshalaga delivered a keynote on behalf of Chairperson Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe.

“It is with great honour and optimism that I stand before you on this momentous occasion of the launch of Zimbabwe’s National Gender Policy,” said Matshalaga.

“This milestone represents not just a policy document, but a transformative vision for gender equality in Zimbabwe.”

The launch comes as ZGC marks its 10th anniversary since becoming operational in 2015. The 2025 policy is built on ten foundational pillars targeting issues such as legal justice, leadership parity, economic empowerment, health, education, energy, digital access, disability inclusion, and climate resilience.

“The 2025 National Gender Policy represents a bold, renewed vision,” Matshalaga said. “It reflects Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to transformative gender equality, aligning with both regional and global best practices.”

The policy aligns with Zimbabwe’s constitutional requirements and Vision 2030 and integrates international frameworks like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

President Emmerson Mnangagwa reiterated the state’s commitment to gender equality as a constitutional imperative. “My Government upholds gender equality as a fundamental imperative for achieving equitable, just, and sustainable socio economic development,” he wrote, citing several laws including the Marriages Act, the Labour Amendment Act, and the Data Protection Act as evidence of ongoing reform.

Matshalaga said the ZGC is constitutionally mandated to monitor implementation of the policy and will ensure accountability across public institutions.

“Please be assured that the Commission is fully prepared and enthusiastic to contribute meaningfully to its successful realisation,” he said.

The policy highlights persistent gender disparities in leadership, access to services, economic participation, and the justice system, particularly affecting women, girls, and persons with disabilities. It identifies barriers such as unpaid care work, harmful cultural practices, sexual violence, and limited access to finance and energy.

The policy outlines measures including the enforcement of gender responsive laws, gender balanced appointments, inclusive access to clean energy, and targeted investment in health and education systems.

“The Zimbabwe Gender Commission stands ready to play its part in ensuring gender equality is not just a policy statement, but a lived reality for every citizen,” said Matshalaga.

He commended Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, for her leadership in coordinating the national gender framework.

“To all partners, development agencies, civil society, media, among others, ZGC is grateful for their unwavering support to ensure constitutionalism,” he added.

The policy will be guided by principles including accountability, non-discrimination, inclusion, and male engagement.

Its implementation will be supported by a National Gender Machinery Coordination Framework and a Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy.

The Ministry has called for a whole of society approach to make the policy actionable, inclusive, and sustainable.