Zimbabwe Gender Commission Launches Clean-Up Campaign in Mbare in Partnership with Harare City Council
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC), in partnership with the Harare City Council, carried out a CleanUp Campaign today at Mbare Musika under the theme, “Clean up Mbare, Sweeping GBV Out…”.
The clean-up initiative was significant as it coincided with the beginning of Women’s Month and serves as a prelude to the commemoration of International Women’s Day on the 8th of March.
As part of ZGC’s efforts to promote cleanliness and gender awareness, Mbare Musika and Mbare Bus Terminus were identified as focal points for the clean-up activities.
The initiative holds great importance as it serves as launchpad for Women’s Month activities, symbolising the organisation’s commitment to promoting cleanliness, gender equality, and community empowerment.
The theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’.
scheduled to take place on the 1st of March, National Clean-Up Day, at Mbare Musika.
Investing in women in Zimbabwe is crucial for empowering them and enhancing their contributions to the economy, especially in the key economic sector of agriculture.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission, established in accordance with Section 245 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and operationalized through the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act [Chapter 10:31], stands as a pivotal institution dedicated to advancing gender equality and addressing gender issues in Zimbabwe.
Endowed with the mandate to monitor compliance and ensure the implementation of gender equality provisions enshrined in the constitution and other regional and international frameworks, the commission plays a vital role in promoting gender parity, advocating for women’s rights, and combating gender-based violence.
Through its various programs, advocacy efforts, and community engagements, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission strives to foster an inclusive society where women and men enjoy equal opportunities, dignity, and respect, contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development and progress.
The Clean-Up Campaign in Mbare aligns with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s mandate to promote gender equality and address gender-based issues in society.
Participating in the clean-up demonstrates the Commission’s proactive approach to community engagement and its dedication to grassroots initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of women and communities.
The theme “Clean up Mbare, Sweeping GBV Out…” underscores the commission’s focus on combating gender-based violence, creating safer environments, and promoting awareness about GBV issues.
The clean-up campaign also served as a platform for community empowerment, encouraging local involvement and fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards maintaining clean and safe public spaces.
Zimbabwe ranks low on the Gender Inequality Index, standing at 110 out of 149 countries.
Eeconomic challenges in Zimbabwe disproportionately affect women, who constitute a significant portion of the population.
Women encounter barriers such as limited access to education and employment discrimination, exacerbating their vulnerability.
As primary caregivers and breadwinners, they bear the brunt of economic instability, facing heightened financial insecurity.
Addressing Zimbabwe’s economic woes requires a gender-sensitive approach to mitigate the unique hardships faced by women.
Collective action is needed to create clean, safe, and inclusive environments for women across Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission called upon every individual, community group, and governmental organization to take proactive steps towards creating a society where women are valued, respected, and afforded equal opportunities in all spheres of life.