‎Harare, (New Ziana)-In a landmark move that reaffirms its commitment to equality and inclusive development, the Zimbabwe government on Tuesday approved the proposed National Gender Policy (2025), a Cabinet Minister has said.

‎Addressing the post Cabinet media briefing in the capital, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said the policy is set to become a pivotal national framework guiding the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment across all sectors of Zimbabwean society.

‎”Cabinet considered and approved the proposed National Gender Policy. ‎The National Gender Policy (2025) aims to promote gender equality and ‎women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe, recognising the diversity of different ‎groups and the need to address stereotypes and prejudices about gender ‎roles,” he said.

He said the National Gender Policy (NGP 2025) is crafted in alignment with the Zimbabwe Constitution, which strictly prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender, disability, and marital status.

It also draws from a robust body of regional, continental, as well as international legal frameworks and conventions dedicated to the advancement of gender equity.
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Dr Muswere said the new policy recognises Zimbabwe’s diverse populations and explicitly aims to dismantle harmful stereotypes and prejudices surrounding traditional gender roles.

He said the policy establishes a comprehensive framework to integrate gender considerations into all levels of policy-making and program implementation, ensuring no one is left behind.

‎Guided by principles of equality, non-discrimination, inclusivity, accountability, and respect for non-harmful cultural, religious and customary practices, the policy takes an intersectional approach to promoting justice and opportunity for all, including persons living with disabilities, he said.

‎The NGP 2025 sets out 10 priority policy goals identified as catalysts for achieving gender equality, among them Legal Justice and Constitutional Rights, Gender Balanced Leadership and Decision-Making, Equitable and Inclusive Economic Empowerment and Equal Access to Clean and Sustainable Energy

‎Others include Gender Responsive Health and Pandemic Resilience, Equal Access to Education, Innovation and Skills Development, Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response, Gender Responsive Climate Action and Resilience, Gender and Disability as well as Equal Access to Information, Media, and Digital Technologies.

Each goal is built on a situational analysis of current gender disparities and includes specific objectives and strategies designed to close existing gaps, Dr Muswere explained.

‎”From addressing underrepresentation of women in leadership roles to ensuring gender-sensitive approaches in climate and digital development, the policy reflects a holistic strategy to integrate gender perspectives in national growth and development,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission will oversee implementation of the National Gender Policy, monitoring progress, ensuring accountability, and taking corrective actions where necessary.

New Ziana