UN Women Executive Board Applauds Zimbabwe’s Progress to Gender Equality

The UN Women Executive Board, led by its President, Ambassador Nicola Clase of Sweden, undertook a five-day official visit to Zimbabwe from 5 to 9 May 2025. The high-level mission was aimed at evaluating the progress made on gender equality and women’s empowerment, deepening partnerships, and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders across the country. During the visit, Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, reaffirmed his government’s steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality, calling it a cornerstone for the nation’s development.

Zimbabwe Commits to Gender-Driven Development

In a formal exchange with Ambassador Clase, President Mnangagwa emphasized, “We believe that gender equality is not only a fundamental right, but also a necessity for national growth.” He underlined Zimbabwe’s commitment to integrating gender concerns across all policy sectors and acknowledged the transformative power of empowering women and girls, especially in rural and economically marginalized communities.

Ambassador Clase welcomed Zimbabwe’s efforts and praised the existence of robust legal frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality. However, she encouraged the government to focus on closing the implementation gap. “I note the strong legal frameworks for gender equality and women’s empowerment,” she remarked. “We urge the government to focus on the effective implementation of these laws.”

Field Visits Show Real Impact of UN Women Programs

The Executive Board visited several UN Women-supported community-based programs, showcasing how collaborative efforts are transforming the lives of women and girls across Zimbabwe.

In Epworth and Umzingwane, the delegation visited “safe marketplaces” constructed under the European Union-funded Global Spotlight Initiative. These marketplaces not only offer secure spaces for women traders but also integrate child-friendly zones and sanitation facilities, making it easier for mothers to pursue business opportunities.

One vendor from the Epworth Safe Market, who greeted the Executive Board warmly, shared how the new infrastructure has changed her life: “This place has given me the dignity and space to grow my business while also taking care of my children. It’s more than a market; it’s a lifeline.”

In Bulawayo, the delegation toured the Maker Space hub—a center dedicated to promoting advanced textile technologies. The hub serves as a training and production site for women-led enterprises, helping them improve efficiency and quality. The innovations at the Maker Space have already helped several women expand their businesses beyond local markets.

Empowering Rural Girls Through Digital Skills

In Murehwa, the Board engaged with young participants of the Dura reruZivo-Ulwazi Feminist Knowledge Hub and the African Girls Can Code Initiative. These programs equip rural girls with digital skills and technical knowledge, enabling them to navigate modern labor markets with confidence.

A teenage participant captured the essence of the program: “Digital skills are a gateway to independence and opportunity for women in rural Zimbabwe. I now dream of becoming a software developer.”

These programs serve as catalysts for long-term change, challenging deeply embedded gender norms and encouraging more girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

High-Level Government Engagement

The Executive Board also engaged in strategic policy discussions with senior government officials, including:

• Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

• Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, and SME Development

• Jacob Francis Mudenda, Speaker of Parliament

Speaker Mudenda stressed the importance of including women in national decision-making: “Ensuring women’s full participation in governance and business will drive Zimbabwe forward into a more inclusive future.”

Strengthening Partnerships with Civil Society and Private Sector

A critical part of the mission was the Board’s dialogue with women-led civil society organizations and private sector leaders. Discussions revolved around gender-responsive entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and access to the digital economy. These dialogues emphasized the need for systemic reforms to dismantle structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s economic participation.

A representative from a women’s rights organization shared, “While significant progress has been made, ongoing support and policy reform are crucial in breaking structural barriers that hinder women’s full economic participation.”

A Vision for the Future: Inclusive and Resilient Development

As the visit concluded, both Zimbabwean authorities and the UN Women Executive Board expressed strong commitment to expanding successful programs, supporting policy implementation, and ensuring sustained collaboration.

Ambassador Clase emphasized, “The courage and innovation we witnessed across Zimbabwe affirm that with continued support and inclusive policies, gender equality can be a powerful engine of sustainable development.”

The Executive Board pledged ongoing support to Zimbabwe’s national strategy, reinforcing the belief that gender equality is not just an ideal—but a prerequisite—for achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth.