Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA and NYARADZO CHITUNGO
Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states have shown their firm commitment towards achieving gender equality through the adoption and subsequent revision of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development in 2016 among other strides.
This was revealed by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, at the Ordinary Meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for Gender and Women’s Affairs.
The ordinary meeting in Harare, is being attended by several SADC ministers and other dignitaries.
“As a region, we have made firm commitments to achieve gender equality, demonstrated by the adoption and subsequent revision of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development in 2016.
“This framework is not merely an aspiration; it is a solemn obligation that we must fulfil together.
“It is commendable to note that guided by this framework, the SADC region has made significant strides in promoting gender equality, and we are regarded as a progressive leader and benchmark for gender equality and development by many countries.
“Notable initiatives to prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence are in place across all member states,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She added that while the region is yet to reach the 50 percent benchmark, significant progress has been made in promoting women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
“Many member states have implemented special measures to enhance women’s participation.
“It is momentous that we celebrate the inauguration of another female president in the SADC region, Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“Additionally, we are proud to recognise our own Hon. Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe, elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, making her the first African and the youngest to hold this powerful role.
“I also want to acknowledge the efforts of various member states in promoting women’s economic empowerment, which have positively impacted the economic status of women in the region,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She also applauded the role played by the SADC Secretariat, which she said has been instrumental in supporting member states through various capacity-building initiatives.
Senator Mutsvangwa also noted that member states’ collaboration has also been remarkable and impactful as their contributions had significantly enhanced Zimbabwe’s effectiveness in fulfilling its strategic representation responsibilities as the SADC Chair at that global platform.
She however noted that whilst there are some milestones, there is need for bold action to tackle both common and emerging challenges.
“The review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, recently, at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), showed that although a lot of progress has been made, most countries including the Southern Africa region, is not on track to meet the SDGs and ensure full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action.
“GBV represents a critical barrier to the achievement of gender equality and sustainable development in Southern Africa,
“The low representation of women in politics and decision-making, with most Member States in the SADC region falling short of achieving the 50/50 target, also poses a huge hindrance to the attainment of gender equality in the region.
“A lot also needs to be done to integrate digital literacy, automation, and emerging technologies into school curricula for the achievement of gender equality in education and training.
“HIV/AIDS is still an area of concern, noting that our region bears 44 percent of the HIV infections, with most affected being women and girls.
“While we continue to confront those challenges, it is also crucial to recognise the current threats to the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment agenda.”
Minister Mutsvangwa further revealed that the unprecedented backlash on gender equality, threatens to wipe away all the gains which have been made since Beijing.
“We must therefore reaffirm the centrality of gender equality in our discussions and actions, standing firm against any attempts to erode the advancements we have made.
“The implications of declining funding also pose a significant threat to sustaining our hard won gains.
“Unfortunately, as developing countries grapple with the implications of an unpredictable and fast-changing funding landscape, gender equality and women’s empowerment is likely to be a low financial priority.
“We cannot be complacent knowing that our region cannot achieve meaningful social and economic development while leaving more than half of its population behind.
“This fact should be a stark reminder of our collective responsibility to chart a strategic course for advancing gender equality in our region,” she added.
Minister Mutsvangwa added that it was now time to strategically shape the future of the region by focusing on some key avenues including the revitalisation of CSW as a pathway to strengthen global accountability, reinforce coherence across UN bodies, and ensure that the CSW remains fit for purpose to deliver on Beijing+30 and the SDGs.
“Promote stronger linkages between CSW and other UN intergovernmental bodies (including CEDAW, Human Rights Council, ECOSOC, and Regional Commissions) to avoid fragmentation and strengthen coherence.
“Support the continued role of UN Women to facilitate system-wide coordination in support of Member States’ preparations, reporting, and implementation of CSW outcomes.
“The CSW Revitalisation Zero Draft document of 28 May 2025 is now under informal consultation by Member States in New York.
“Let us lead as SADC and ensure that our Ministries of Foreign Affairs and UN Missions in New York are fully informed and engaged in this important process.”
Minister Mutsvangwa also revealed that the High-Level Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment at UNGA80, further offers a rare political moment for Africa to demonstrate leadership in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“The world is watching how we translate Beijing+30 into real, financed national actions.
“I call upon all SADC Member States to prepare and announce ambitious, time-bound, fully financed national commitments at this unique opportunity during UNGA80.
“Transforming domestic resource mobilisation to sustain gains in gender equality and women’s empowerment is another essential strategy for ensuring the sustainability of our initiatives.
“Now more than ever, our governments must ring-fence funding for gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment. Zimbabwe has already initiated the process of assessing the economic costs of Gender-Based Violence to inform funding models that will help harness local resources for prevention and response programs. I encourage other member states to consider similar initiatives.
“It is equally important that we intensify efforts for the active engagement of men and boys in promoting positive masculinity and eliminating harmful norms, values, and practices that disadvantage women and girls.
“Another critical element is the need to accelerate the momentum to sustain regional progress in women’s participation in politics and decision-making positions,” she added.
