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By Tafadzwa Muranganwa
Various women leaders from civic organisations from Zimbabwe and Malawi, also drawn from Parliament, met on Tuesday in Harare to exchange ideas on how to address gender inequalities.
The ‘Women’s Leadership Exchange Visit between Malawi and Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary Caucus was facilitated by the Women’s Coalition in Zimbabwe (WCOZ).
Speaking at the event, WCOZ Chairperson, Madrine Chiku, heaped praises on the visit saying it will help in women’s advancement and shaping narratives of an inclusive society.
“This is a momentous occasion that must never be taken for granted given the fact that it brings us women together and enhances our work, aspirations, and hopes in terms of enhancing women’s participation in political spaces.
“I hope that this visit will inspire the rest of the continent as it transforms itself towards realising the gender agenda in Agenda 2063. Agenda 2063 calls for an inclusive society where all citizens are actively involved in decision-making in all aspects and where no child, woman, or man is left behind or excluded based on gender, political affiliation, religion, ethnic affiliation, loyalty, age, or other factors, ” Chiku said.
She also took time to highlight the milestones of WCOZ in the emancipation of women.
“Since 1999, WCOZ has envisioned a Zimbabwean society where women and girls fully enjoy all their rights through initiatives to achieve gender equality and equity – one of the main achievements being the adoption of gender-centered provisions within the 2013 constitution of Zimbabwe.
“Additionally, WCOZ pushes for gender equality and parity through the creation of a space for women and girls to collectively initiate and participate in strategies and actions that lead to their empowerment,” she added.
The head of the Malawi delegation, Roseby Gadama, commended WCOZ and drew similarities between the two organisations.
” I can see the coalition is of diverse interest groups and these are the ideals which the coalition exists for. As a Malawi delegation, we always say united we stand, and divided we fall. We believe this is a good drive and our goal though is one to promote the women’s agenda,” said Gadama.
The Malawian delegation included women legislators who defied all odds in patriarchal communities to be leaders with two of them subsequently being appointed deputy ministers in education and water and sanitation.
Other delegates who attended the meeting included Oxfam officials from both countries, Women’s Academic for Leadership and Political Excellency (WALPE), and the Parliament of Zimbabwe.