Harare, (New Ziana)-The implementation of gender mainstreaming policies by the government has started to bear fruits as shown by the increase in women participating in previously male dominated sectors of the economy, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Women Affairs, Community and Small to Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said this while addressing a validation workshop for the national broad-based women economic empowerment framework, which seeks to ensure that women equally participate in all sectors of the economy.

She said it was encouraging to note that women were now penetrating the economic sectors of the country.

“Gender mainstreaming has reached all sectors of the economy. This effort by my Ministry has resulted in a positive impact reflected by the increase of women in previously male dominated sectors such as mining. We also want to penetrate the export sector,” she said.

Mutsvangwa however bemoaned the low participation of women in active politics yet it is where key decisions are made. “We also want more participation of women in politics. Do not be afraid. It is important for women to participate in politics so that you can push for the improvement of livelihoods and you can make sure that poverty is reduced. These are issues we want more and more women getting into,” she said.

She however said the burden of unpaid domestic care work, gender discrimination, and limited access to resources continue to hinder women from participating in both political and economic activities.

Speaking at the same event, International Labour Organisation country director Philile Masuku commended Zimbabwe for making efforts to prevent and address discrimination and harassment of women at the workplace.

“Through this framework, Zimbabwe positions itself at the forefront of regional efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality and women empowerment,” she said.

New Ziana