The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promote gender equality and inclusivity at the launch of the Women with Disabilities Forum Programme, a new initiative aimed at promoting the rights and inclusion of women and girls with disabilities, organized by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe in partnership with Hivos.
Commissioner Dr Sibongile Mauye, in her remarks at the launch event, emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration in advancing gender equality and promoting the rights of women and girls with disabilities.
She highlighted the Commission’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s inclusion in leadership spaces.
“As a constitutional commission, the ZGC is mandated to monitor the implementation of gender equality provisions in the Constitution and ensure that all constitutional provisions related to gender equality are adhered to,” she said.
She also noted that the new forum would play a crucial role in spearheading the movement toward achieving equality for women and girls with disabilities.
“The ZGC offers various services, including research, complaints handling, and advocacy, to support women and girls with disabilities who face challenges in accessing justice, services, and exercising their rights. Women and girls with disabilities are encouraged to lodge complaints and seek support from the ZGC.”
The launch of the Women with Disabilities Forum Programme was hailed as a significant step toward promoting inclusion and intersectionality.
Chairperson of Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, Muchanyara Cynthia Mukamuri, in her remarks at the launch, said the launch embodies an unwavering commitment to achieving an inclusive society.
“This launch is not just a formal event, it is a defining moment that embodies hope, resilience, and unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive society where every woman, every girl, regardless of her ability, can assert her rights and thrive.”
“The launch also reflects our commitment to addressing intersectional issues, reinforced through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH).”
Ms. Joyce Matara, Acting Executive Director of the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH) emphasized the need for collaboration and advocating for policies that promote the rights of women and girls with disabilities.
“Let us work together to create a Zimbabwe where women and girls with disabilities are not only included but empowered to reach their full potential and contribute to the social, economic, and political development of our nation,” she said.
“This forum represents a powerful step toward dismantling these barriers and creating a truly inclusive society.”
“The empowerment of women and girls with disabilities is essential to the advancement of all women and the realization of just and equitable development.”
The launch highlighted that promoting leadership and participation in all spheres of society, from community development to national governance, is crucial for challenging harmful stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate discrimination and exclusion.
