Source: Let’s go, implement gender decisions: Min Mutsvangwa – herald
Africa Moyo-Deputy National Editor
DELEGATES to the SADC Gender Ministers meeting have been challenged to take back home the decisions made and turn them into actionable commitments that transform the lives of women and girls in their countries.
In her opening remarks at the ordinary meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for Gender/Women’s Affairs in Harare yesterday, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, who is also the Chairperson of the SADC Ministers of Gender/Women Affairs, said throughout their sessions, delegates celebrated notable gender achievements in the region.
She added that the meeting should drive transformative change across the region, with bold decisions adopted to address gender gaps being implemented in all member States.
“From innovative initiatives aimed at preventing gender-based violence to the increasing representation of women in leadership roles, we have made significant strides,” she said.
“These successes are not merely statistics; they are the stories of women whose lives have been transformed through our collective efforts.
“However, while we celebrate these milestones, we must also acknowledge the persistent gender gaps that remain. We have adopted bold decisions to address these challenges, recognising that the time for action is now.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said all participants should carry forward the momentum generated at the engagement, adding that the meeting should not just be another gathering, but a catalyst for major change.
Notably, the Revised SADC Framework for Achieving Gender Parity in Political and Decision-Making Positions adopted yesterday, represents a significant step forward in the region’s efforts to promote gender parity in politics and decision-making, as outlined in the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and other regional and international commitments.
Regarding the implementation of the meeting’s decisions, Minister Mutsvangwa emphasised the importance of ensuring that “these gatherings are not merely annual talk shows”.
“We must establish a system to track the implementation of decisions made during ministerial meetings.
“I particularly recommend that the Secretariat, in addition to annual data reporting tools, compile a compendium or matrix of decisions halfway before our next meeting,” she said.
Member states would then share their progress on the implementation of the decisions.
Last night, a cocktail dinner was hosted for the delegates, not only to honour them, but also to launch Zimbabwe’s Revised National Gender Policy, which reflects Harare’s commitment to creating a society where all individuals have equal opportunities.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for Corporate Affairs, Dr Judith Kateera, said the meeting came at an opportune moment when the Secretariat has just embarked on the Mid-Term Review of its regional development plan, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Programme (RISDP 2020-2030).
Through this review exercise, they seek to take stock of work done in the past five years (2020 – 2025), consider the unfinished agenda, and refocus on the future (2025 – 2030) as they redefine their regional priorities in terms of deliverables for the benefit of SADC citizens.
“It goes without saying that all this work will be done with a gender lens for us to realise transformative and impactful outcomes in our region, Southern Africa. I therefore seize this opportunity to strongly encourage you to participate in this MTR (Mid-Term Review) exercise, making practical contributions once approached by your Secretariat,” she said.
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