UN Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing Women’s Empowerment in Zimbabwe

The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality in Zimbabwe through gender-responsive trade, diplomacy and inclusive development initiatives (image source)

The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Zimbabwe to advance women’s empowerment, gender equality and the protection of the rights of women and girls through international and multilateral platforms.

Speaking yesterday, UN assistant secretary-general and UN Women deputy executive director for Normative Support, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, said the global body remained committed to supporting Zimbabwe as it aligns its foreign affairs, trade and development agenda with international efforts to advance gender equality, women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.

Responding to questions on how UN Women could support Zimbabwe’s foreign affairs and international trade agenda, Gumbonzvanda highlighted the importance of gender-responsive diplomacy and trade policy, particularly initiatives that expand women’s access to global markets.

She cited Zimbabwe’s advocacy for women’s economic empowerment through international trade frameworks such as the Next She Exporter Incubation Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at enabling women-owned businesses to access international markets. The programme is spearheaded by Zimbabwe’s trade development and promotion organisation. Gumbonzvanda said enabling women to earn income, secure livelihoods and access markets was central to achieving meaningful gender equality.

She noted that Zimbabwean products were increasingly demonstrating how trade could be leveraged to promote women’s empowerment globally.

“Whether it’s the Zimbabwean blueberries I saw in Senegal, the United States, Singapore or emerging products like Mapfura wine, which is being produced here in Zimbabwe, it’s about trading what we have and ensuring women benefit from those opportunities,” she said.

Gumbonzvanda also stressed the importance of women’s participation in peace-building processes at all levels, noting that this aligned with the 50-50 gender equality commitment under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Women must be part of peace committees locally, nationally and globally,” she said.

She further emphasised the need to empower girls and women to recognise that poverty is not permanent and that circumstances can change with access to opportunity.

“What we need are strong families, strong communities that do not normalise abuse and strong institutions that deliver education, healthcare and employment. Marriage should never be viewed as an escape from poverty but as a choice rooted in love and dignity,” Gumbonzvanda said.

“UN Women has a powerful mandate for equality for girls and boys while empowering girls. Zimbabwe’s leadership, both at home and on the global stage, is essential to advancing peace, human rights and development for all.”