Midlands province senator, Sisasenkosi Ndebele, has implored the government to intensify efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Parliament.
The call aligns with the International Women’s Day commemorations under the theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
Rising on a point of order to underscore the significance of International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, she emphasized the imperative need for increased investment in women’s progress.
Acknowledging strides made by the government in advancing women’s participation across various sectors, including constitutional provisions for gender balance and the extension of quota systems in national and local legislative bodies, Ndebele lauded these legislative efforts as commendable steps forward.
However, despite commendable efforts, Ndebele voiced concerns regarding the persistent gap in achieving gender parity, particularly emphasising the need to work towards a 50/50 target, especially in the upcoming 2028 harmonised elections.
“This is a cause of concern, and I would like to urge this august House and the government at large, to work towards the attainment of a 50/50 target, particularly when we go to the 2028 harmonized elections. Women’s economic empowerment is crucial to achieving gender equality and sustainable development. We note with concern that the majority of women in Zimbabwe still do not have equal access to economic resources, opportunities, and benefits,” she said.
Expressing dismay over lingering disparities in access to economic resources and opportunities among Zimbabwean women, Ndebele called upon the government to confront and overcome barriers hindering women’s full participation in the economy. Advocating for the implementation of robust empowerment strategies, the plea resonated with the urgency of creating equitable opportunities for all women and girls in Zimbabwe.
“As such, we are calling upon the government to address the barriers and challenges that hinder women’s full participation in the economy by putting in place empowerment strategies aimed at creating equal opportunities for all women and girls in Zimbabwe,” said Ndebele.
