Human rights experts have urged the Zimbabwean government to reconsider its proposed constitutional amendment seeking to abolish the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC), warning that the move threatens to undermine progress made in promoting women’s rights and gender equality in the country.
In a letter addressed to the government, the UN Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls took a firm position against the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 of 2026, which seeks to repeal constitutional provisions establishing the ZGC and transfer its functions to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC).
The experts noted that dissolving the commission would weaken Zimbabwe’s institutional framework for addressing discrimination and violence against women and girls.
“We consider that the dissolution of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission would be detrimental to efforts to end discrimination, including violence against women and girls,” the letter read.
The Working Group recommended that Zimbabwe must maintain an independent and dedicated institution specifically focused on gender equality instead of merging its mandate into a broader human rights body.
According to the letter, the UN experts demanded clarity from authorities on the rationale behind the proposed amendment and questioned whether any gender impact assessment had been conducted before Cabinet approved the bill.
“What safeguards will be put in place to ensure women’s rights are not undermined if the commission is dissolved?
“The country must strengthen, rather than weaken, the ZGC by providing it with adequate financial, technical and human resources to effectively carry out its constitutional mandate.”
The Working Group further urged government to undertake broad consultations with women’s rights organisations, civil society groups and affected communities before proceeding with the constitutional changes.
“It would be important to conduct this process within a consultative framework, including the effective participation of women and girls with an intersectional perspective,” the letter read.
“Zimbabwe has obligations under international treaties including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which requires states to establish and support mechanisms that advance women’s rights.”
The experts warned that transferring the commission’s responsibilities to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission could dilute focus on gender equality issues and reduce accountability in responding to discrimination and gender-based violence.