“We Thank You!” Gender Commission Appreciates Partners for a Decade of Support

By Dickson Bandera

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has paid tribute to a broad spectrum of partners whose steadfast support has enabled the Commission to fulfil its constitutional mandate over the past decade.

Established to promote gender equality and ensure compliance with gender justice in Zimbabwe, the Commission has operated through four strategic units: Research and Programming; Legal Services; Complaints Handling and Investigations; and Public Education and Information. Through these structures, the ZGC has registered notable achievements aligned with its constitutional responsibilities.

In a statement to the press on Friday morning, the Chairperson of the Gender Commission, Mrs Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, underscored the indispensable role of the Commission’s partners.

“ZGC would not be where it is today if it was not for the support we have received since inception. The Government of Zimbabwe, in fulfilment of the Paris Principles, that require the setting up of independent human rights institutions, has funded most of our operations. ZGC has also collaborated with all Ministries as part of its monitoring.

“As one of the Chapter 12 institutions, ZGC has partnered NPRC, ZMC, ZHRC and ZEC as relevant,” she noted.

Mrs Mukahanana-Sangarwe also recognised the significant and consistent support from the United Nations family, which has provided both technical and material assistance over the years.

“The UNWOMEN in particular, funded a Technical Advisor for two years when we had no secretariat until now when we have 116 staff including in some provinces.

“UNDP provided ZGC with its first vehicle, among other tools of trade. ILO supported our work around eradicating violence and harassment in the workplace. UNESCO supported work around disability,” she noted.

She went on to commend the collaborative role played by civil society organisations, many of whom are part of ZGC’s Thematic Working Groups. These organisations have been instrumental in mobilisation, advocacy, survivor support, and public engagement on gender equality issues.

“The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe has been instrumental in our growth to date among other women’s rights organisations, ZWLA, WLSA, Musasa, WIPSU, WALPE.”

She further expressed gratitude to a range of development agencies and partners including RWI, EU, OXFAM, HIVOS, DFID, ActionAid, and SARDC, for their invaluable contributions to ZGC’s work.

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches and Transparency International Zimbabwe were also acknowledged for their support in addressing gender and corruption issues. ZGC has likewise benefited from private sector partnerships, notably with Securico, which has provided pro bono security services.

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