Harare, (New Ziana) – First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has been invited to participate in the fifth Eurasian Women’s Forum, to be held in Moscow, Russia, next year, as the two countries seek to deepen cooperation on women’s empowerment and social development.
According to reports from the Russian Parliament and the Eurasian Women’s Forum, the Speaker of the Russia Federation Council, Valentina Matviyenko extended the invitation during a meeting with Dr Mnangagwa.
Dr Mnangagwa, who heads the Angel of Hope Foundation, also proposed the establishment of a dedicated session at the forum bringing together First Ladies from African countries to discuss issues affecting women, families and communities.
Matviyenko backed the proposal, potentially opening a new platform for African First Ladies to share experiences and explore practical approaches to social development.
The Eurasian Women’s Forum has developed into an international platform focused on women’s leadership, social development, entrepreneurship and responses to global challenges with its organizers describing it as a continuing platform for systematic work on issues affecting women rather than simply a periodic conference.
Zimbabwe has previously participated in the forum, with Dr Mnangagwa taking part in discussions on women’s health, wellbeing and humanitarian issues.
Russia–Africa platforms have also featured discussions on gender balance, women’s participation in politics and the economy, and social development.
The latest engagement adds a social and women-focused dimension to the broader Zimbabwe-Russia relationship, with the proposed First Ladies’ session offering an opportunity for African countries to place women’s leadership, family welfare and community development more prominently on the international agenda.
The 2027 Eurasian Women’s Forum could consequently provide Zimbabwe with another avenue to showcase its programs on women’s empowerment and social welfare while strengthening ties with Russia and other participating countries.
New Ziana
