ZGC Chairperson Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe (left) and CEO Virginia Muwanigwa during Friday’s press conference
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has begun its 10th anniversary commemorations, and a host of activities have been lined up in several parts of the country.
Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, Chairperson of ZGC speaking during Friday’s press conference at their newly acquired House of Gender Equality in Harare, said the commemorations are running under the theme “ZGC @10: Reflecting on Achievements and the Future for Gender Equality in Zimbabwe.”
Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe revealed that the first ZGC was established under Section 245 of the 2013 Constitution and became fully operational through the ZGC Act (Chapter 10:31) in 2016.
And ZGC was officially launched on September 3, 2015, with the appointment of nine inaugural commissioners by then President Robert Mugabe.
She added that as one of the independent commissions supporting democracy under Chapter 12 of national constitution, ZGC was created to promote gender equality, investigate gender rights violations, monitor compliance with gender laws, and advise on policy and legislative reforms.
“Today marks more than a milestone. It is a celebration of a decade of collective action, resilience in the face of challenges, and progress in advancing gender equality, justice, and inclusivity across Zimbabwe.
“The purpose of today’s conference is threefold: firstly, to reflect on the Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s 10-year journey — highlighting key institutional milestones, lessons learned, and the challenges that remain; secondly, to officially announce the commemorative activities planned as part of the Commission’s 10th Anniversary celebrations; and thirdly, to reaffirm and strengthen strategic partnerships with the media and stakeholders, as we continue to drive forward the national gender equality agenda with renewed commitment and collaboration,” revealed Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe.
She also paid tribute to fellow inaugural Commissioners, Dr Paul Kadzima, Mrs Naome Chimbetete, Mr Obert Matshalaga, Mr Peter Mawonera Chief (Chikwizo), Dr Nyepudzai Mercy Nyangulu, Mrs Tsungirirai K. Hungwe-Chimbunde, Mrs Sibongile Mauye and Mr Victor Nkiwane, whom she said had laid the institutional foundation of ZGC’s work.
“I salute the founding Commissioners of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission for their visionary leadership and selfless dedication. “As champions of gender equality, they sacrificed their time, expertise, and resources to lay the foundation of the Commission we know today.
“Their legacy continues to inspire our ongoing pursuit of justice, inclusion, and equality for all,” added Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe.
Events lined up as part of the commemorations include the Gender Equality Golf Tournament, Provincial Gender Forum Dialogues, official opening of the House of Gender Equality, Male Engagement Symposium and National Gender Forum and Gender Equality Awards.
