Generation Equality Zimbabwe
Generation Equality in Zimbabwe is implemented with a collaborative approach at the grassroots, national, and global levels. The campaign prioritizes the active participation of young women and advocates for policy change across all sectors. It tackles key challenges to advance gender equality by creating platforms where young women and senior leaders can come together to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and co-lead initiatives that drive meaningful and lasting change.
The Government of Zimbabwe plays a vital role in advancing the Generation Equality movement through the development of policies that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, with a strong focus on young women. As a commitment maker under the Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality, Zimbabwe aims to close the gender gap in digital access and skills, invest in feminist technology and innovation, and prevent as well as eliminate online and technology-facilitated gender-based violence and discrimination.
Zimbabwe is actively working to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) by improving education, empowering women to make informed decisions about their bodies, and supporting organizations that advocate for SRHR rights. The Government of Zimbabwe has also implemented key policy measures to combat gender-based violence (GBV). The revised National Gender Policy, which guides the country’s gender equality initiatives, includes a dedicated section on GBV in its various forms, addressing both persistent and emerging issues, including violence against women. In addition, the government has developed a National Strategy for Preventing and Addressing Gender-Based Violence. Zimbabwe has made high-level commitments to tackle GBV and harmful practices and continues to engage traditional and religious leaders to promote cultural and social change.
To support effective implementation, Zimbabwe has established dedicated focal points at both national and local levels to coordinate gender equality initiatives. The country reaffirmed its commitment to the Generation Equality movement during the inaugural Generation Equality Commitment Makers Meeting, co-hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe and UN Women on 27 February 2025. This landmark event convened commitment makers, government officials, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders to assess progress, exchange best practices, and strengthen collaborative strategies for advancing the Generation Equality agenda.
The meeting highlighted the efforts of several commitment makers who are driving change across Zimbabwe. It also included a presentation of the Generation Equality Accountability Report 2024 and a panel discussion with commitment makers to assess the progress of implementing commitments, address challenges, explore solutions and share promising practices.
Commitment Makers in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s Commitment Makers include a diverse range of stakeholders from government institutions, private sector entities, and civil society organizations, all working towards achieving Generation Equality goals in different Action coalitions. Currently, nine Commitment Makers are actively working in the country as part of this global movement. These Commitment Makers actively participated in the Generation Equality Commitment Makers Meeting, co-hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe and UN Women on 27 February 2025, where they reviewed progress of their commitments:
Female Students Network Trust: is addressing gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) policies by collaborating with government ministries to advocate for women’s health and autonomy.
YES Trust Zimbabwe: an Action coalition leader under GBV is driving community-led initiatives to eliminate gender-based violence and promote women’s leadership.
Rozaria Memorial Trust: supports women living in rural communities through innovative initiatives that advance education, health, and entrepreneurship.
SRHR Africa Trust: is championing bodily autonomy and SRHR through strategic partnerships and active community engagement.
Institute of Women Social Workers: is dedicated to breaking the cycle of gender-based violence in Zimbabwe through targeted interventions and support systems
Development Agenda for Girls and Women in Africa Network: implements programs on adolescent girls' autonomy and gender-based violence prevention in marginalized communities.
Achievements of Generation Equality in Zimbabwe
- Policy Measures: The Government of Zimbabwe has implemented policy measures to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The National Gender Policy, a key framework guiding gender equality initiatives, has been reviewed to include a dedicated section on GBV, incorporating emerging issues such as violence against women.
- Strategic Framework and Commitments: Zimbabwe has developed the National Strategy for Preventing and Addressing Gender-Based Violence and demonstrated high-level political commitment to ending GBV and harmful practices. As part of this effort, the government is actively engaging traditional and religious leaders in the fight against harmful cultural norms and practices.
- Economic Empowerment of Women: The government supports women’s economic empowerment through funding and skills development for women-owned enterprises. Additionally, it provides safe working spaces and facilitates market access for women entrepreneurs, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic participation.
- Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Enhanced collaboration among national, local, and international stakeholders has strengthened Zimbabwe’s response to GBV. These partnerships have created platforms for women and girls to share their experiences, raise awareness, and advocate for their rights.
- Regional Leadership and Advocacy: Zimbabwe has emerged as a regional leader in gender advocacy by hosting its inaugural Generation Equality Commitment Makers Meeting on 27 February 2025. The meeting focused on reviewing progress made by Commitment Makers under the Action Coalitions on Gender-Based Violence and Economic Justice and Rights, while reinforcing partnerships to advance the rights of women and girls across the region.
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