BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
As of June 1, 2024 globally, just 18 countries had a woman Head of State and 15 countries have a woman head of government, evident that women are still under-represented, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Edward Kallon has said.
Kallon said that at the current rate; gender equality in the highest positions of power, may not be reached for another 130 years.
He was speaking in his solidarity remarks at the Inaugural Zimbabwe High-Level Women in Leadership Summit which was held in Harare last week.
The two day summit which was hosted by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, ran under the theme“Accelerating Gender Parity through Collective Action: Strengthening Accountability and Solidarity to Transform Policies into Tangible Progress”.
Kallon revealed that despite other strides that have been made globally to empower women; “the journey is far from complete- globally, women are still under-represented at decision-making levels in most areas of public administration, private sector and the judiciary.
“Women represent 23.3 per cent of Cabinet members.
“The five most commonly held portfolios by women Cabinet Ministers are Women and gender equality, followed by Family and Children Affairs, Social Inclusion and Development, Social Protection and Social Security, and Indigenous and Minority Affairs.
“Only 26.9 per cent of parliamentarians in single or lower houses are women, up from 11 per cent in 1995. Only six countries have 50 per cent or more women in parliament in single or lower houses: Rwanda (61 per cent), Cuba (56 per cent), Nicaragua (54 per cent), Andorra (50 per cent), Mexico (50 per cent), New Zealand (50 per cent), and the United Arab Emirates (50 per cent).
“Data from 141 countries show that women constitute more than 3 million (35.5 per cent) of elected members in local deliberative bodies.
“Only three countries have reached 50 per cent, and an additional 22 countries have more than 40 per cent women in local government,” said Kallon.
He further revealed that balanced political participation and power-sharing between women and men in decision-making is the internationally agreed target set in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
“Consequently, we must continue to push for gender parity in all spheres of life.
“This means not only ensuring that women have a seat at the table but that their voices are heard, valued, and acted upon.
“True leadership is not about filling quotas; it is about recognizing and harnessing the full potential of all individuals, regardless of gender,” said Kallon.
He also revealed that the summit was a testament to the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of women who continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and lead with vision and purpose.
Kallon also revealed that over the past 30 years, the international community has made commitments to promoting gender equality and eliminating discrimination against women including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals – SDG 5 in particular.
And consequent to these commitments, Kallon added that governments are expected to implement policies and programmes to advance gender equality, including in leadership positions, giving women full and equal share in economic, social, cultural and political decision-making.
“Women bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table—perspectives that are crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges we face in our societies.
“From economic inequalities to climate change, from peace building to sustainable development.
“Zimbabwe, like many other nations, has seen women rise to prominent positions of leadership.”
He also revealed that the UN is committed to supporting Zimbabwe in its efforts to empower women and girls.
“Our collective mission aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which calls for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
“We stand in solidarity with the women of Zimbabwe as they lead the charge towards a more equitable and just society.
“However, solidarity is not a passive stance; it is active and requires concrete actions.
“It means standing together to address the barriers that women face, from discriminatory practices to unequal access to opportunities.
“It means challenging the status quo and creating spaces where women can thrive without fear of prejudice or discrimination,” he added.
He also had a reassuring message for the women, as he urged them to keep up the momentum and not to be discouraged by the alarming global, regional and national statistics.
“You are on the right path, especially with some gains reported in the UNDP 2023 Human Development Report, in which Zimbabwe is at the top 15 in Africa in respect to promotion of gender equality and women empowerment.
“Continue with intensification of such awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of women’s participation in leadership roles as it takes time to challenge existing power structures and social norms biased towards male leadership.
“Continue collaboration with local media, civil society organizations, and community leaders to disseminate information, challenge gender stereotypes, and promote inclusive governance practices.
“Ensure that your good laws and policies do not remain on paper but that they are implemented, monitored and evaluated. If we do so, the desired transformative changes will happen.
He also reassured saying, “together, let us continue to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and create a world where every woman and girl can achieve her full potential.”
