Zimbabwe Gender Commission Launches Ambitious 2025 National Gender Policy
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has officially launched the 2025 National Gender Policy, setting a bold and transformative agenda to address gender inequalities across the country’s social, legal, and institutional sectors.
The unveiling took place at a high-profile dinner event held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare. Commissioner Obert Matshalaga, ZGC Vice Chairperson, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Chairperson Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe, emphasizing the significance of the moment.
“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 coincides with ZGC’s 10th anniversary, marking a decade of the Commission’s work since becoming operational in 2015. The 2025 National Gender Policy builds on this legacy with ten foundational pillars. These pillars address key issues such as legal justice, leadership equality, economic empowerment, health, education, energy access, digital inclusion, disability rights, and climate resilience.
Matshalaga described the policy as a renewed and bold vision that aligns with Zimbabwe’s Constitution, Vision 2030, and international frameworks including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in a written statement, reiterated the government’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 stated. The President highlighted reforms already underway, citing legislative milestones such as the Marriages Act, Labour Amendment Act, and the Data Protection Act as examples of progress.
Commissioner Matshalaga further stressed ZGC’s constitutional mandate to oversee and monitor the policy’s implementation. “Please be assured that the Commission is fully prepared and enthusiastic to contribute meaningfully to its successful realisation,” he said.
The policy comes at a critical time as Zimbabwe continues to face persistent gender disparities in leadership roles, access to social services, economic opportunities, and justice for women, girls, and persons with disabilities. Barriers identified in the policy include harmful cultural practices, unpaid care work, sexual violence, limited financial access, and energy poverty.
In response, the policy outlines several action points, including the enforcement of gender-responsive laws, promotion of gender-balanced appointments in leadership, expanded access to clean energy, and increased investment in gender-sensitive health and education services.
“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,” Matshalaga affirmed.
He also commended Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, for her leadership in driving the national gender agenda.
“To all partners, development agencies, civil society, media, among others, ZGC is grateful for their unwavering support to ensure constitutionalism,” he added.
The 2025 National Gender Policy will be guided by key principles such as accountability, non-discrimination, inclusion, and male engagement. Implementation will be coordinated through a National Gender Machinery Coordination Framework, supported by a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy.
The Ministry has called for a whole-of-society approach to ensure the policy becomes actionable, inclusive, and sustainable, making gender equality a lived reality for all Zimbabweans.
