The UN Women Executive Board has concluded its official visit to Zimbabwe, reiterating its commitment to promote gender equality and support women’s empowerment in the country. The five-day mission, led by Board President Ambassador Nicola Clase of Sweden, took place from 5th to 9th May 2025, aiming to showcase the impact of UN Women’s initiatives, identify ongoing challenges, and strengthen collaboration with the Zimbabwean government and local stakeholders.
During a meeting with the delegation, Zimbabwean President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa emphasized his administration’s dedication to gender equality, calling it “not only a fundamental right, but also a necessity for national growth.” Ambassador Clase, acknowledging Zimbabwe’s legislative progress on gender equality, highlighted the importance of putting these laws into practice. “I note the strong legal frameworks for gender equality and women’s empowerment. We urge the government to focus on the effective implementation of these laws,” she said.
The delegation visited various community projects supported by UN Women, gaining firsthand insights into local initiatives designed to uplift women economically. In Epworth and Umzingwane, they toured marketplaces established through the EU-funded Global Spotlight Initiative Programme, which offer women safer trading spaces equipped with child-friendly areas. These facilities provide an environment where women can conduct business with greater security and support.
In Bulawayo, the delegation explored the Maker Space hub, an advanced technology centre specializing in textiles. This facility allows women-led businesses to enhance production efficiency and product quality, offering them a competitive edge in the market. Meanwhile, in Murehwa, the Executive Board witnessed the Dura reruZivo-Ulwazi Feminist Knowledge Hub and the African Girls Can Code Initiative. Here, young women shared their experiences of gaining digital skills. “Digital skills are a gateway to independence and opportunity for women in rural Zimbabwe,” one participant remarked.
High-level discussions with government officials, including Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira, Women’s Affairs Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, and Speaker of Parliament Jacob Francis Mudenda, focused on policies to strengthen women’s economic empowerment. Speaker Mudenda emphasised the importance of women’s involvement in governance and business, stating, “Ensuring women’s full participation in governance and business will drive Zimbabwe forward into a more inclusive future.”
The Board also met with women-led civil society groups and private sector representatives to discuss gender-responsive entrepreneurship and digital economy access. One women’s rights advocate highlighted that while progress has been made, further policy reforms are needed to dismantle structural barriers limiting women’s economic participation.
As the visit concluded, the UN Women Executive Board pledged continued support for Zimbabwe’s gender equality efforts, committing to scale successful programmes and deepen partnerships to help build a more inclusive and resilient future for Zimbabwean women and girls.
