UN Women Deputy Executive Director to Lead High-Level Mission on Gender Equality

UN Women Deputy Executive Director Dr Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda will lead a high-level mission to Zimbabwe focused on sustaining gender equality gains, strengthening partnerships and mobilising support amid shifting donor priorities (image source)

HARARE — United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Dr Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda is due in Zimbabwe on Monday for a high-level mission aimed at galvanising collective action to protect gains on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The visit comes as global funding priorities shift and development partners reassess programming. Dr Gumbonzvanda is scheduled to meet government officials, development partners, civil society groups and UN agencies to strengthen coordination, mobilise resources and identify sustainable pathways for gender-focused interventions.

Co-Chair of the African Women Leadership Network, Councillor Chioniso Michelle Murinda, said the visit presents an opportunity to deepen donor engagement and reinforce partnerships with women’s rights organisations that drive change at community level. “Zimbabwe has made significant progress towards gender equality in various spheres, including political offices and high appointments. We look forward to fruitful engagements that will ensure every woman is represented,” she said.

Leaders of women’s organisations welcomed the visit as a chance to secure targeted support. Ekenia Chifamba, director of Shamwari Yemwanasikana, said Dr Gumbonzvanda’s Zimbabwean roots give her a unique understanding of local challenges and urged women’s groups to present clear priorities for partnership.

Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the mission will explore programmatic alignment between UN Women’s Strategic Note and national development priorities. “Partnership building will be a key focus, deepening collaboration with government institutions, civil society, women’s rights organisations and donors to sustain and scale gender equality efforts amid funding transitions,” she said.

Officials expect discussions to prioritise ending violence against women, promoting women’s leadership, advancing economic empowerment and strengthening women’s roles in peace and security. The visit follows recent policy reforms that provide a framework for action, including the National Gender Policy (2025), the Gender-Based Violence Strategy (2023–2030) and the Marriages Act (2022).

Government and civil society sources said they will use the mission to press for renewed donor commitments and to map joint programming that can be sustained as external funding landscapes evolve.