By Takudzwa Tondoya
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) kicked off its 10th anniversary commemorations with a bold reflection on a decade of advocacy, institutional reform and inclusive progress in advancing gender equality across the country.
Addressing journalists in Harare, ZGC chairperson Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe described the milestone as “a celebration of resilience and collective action,” explaining how the Commission has grown from just two staff members in 2015 to a team of 114 personnel now operating in six provinces.
“We are celebrating a decade of collective action, resilience in the face of challenges, and progress in advancing gender equality, justice, and inclusivity across Zimbabwe,” said Mukahanana-Sangarwe.
Established under the 2013 Constitution and fully operational by 2016, the ZGC was created to promote gender equality, investigate gender rights violations, and influence legislative reform.
Since its inception, the Commission has grown significantly — from a two-person team to a 114-strong staff across six provinces.
“As the founding Chairperson, I’m proud that the Commission has expanded its reach and deepened its impact. But let us be clear — we still face persistent challenges: structural patriarchy, budget constraints, and the continued underrepresentation of women in politics and leadership,” she said.
Mukahanana-Sangarwe highlighted key achievements over the past decade, including the establishment of a national Call Centre for reporting gender-based violence, successful gender audits of political parties and national inquiries into child marriage and sexual exploitation.
“We’ve supported over 600 traditional leaders in preventing GBV and rescued more than 340 girls from child marriage since 2020. These are not just numbers — they represent lives changed, futures reclaimed,” she said
Looking ahead, she urged government to enact the long-awaited Gender Equality Bill and allocate 10% of the national budget to gender programming.
She also called on the media to “deepen coverage of underreported issues like workplace harassment and customary law barriers.”
The Commission will host several events over the next two months, including provincial dialogues and the official opening of the new House of Gender Equality in Harare.
“This house is not just a building — it’s a symbol of our permanence, our progress, and our purpose. Together, let us build a Zimbabwe where no girl is silenced, no woman is left behind.” she said
