ZLHR Statement on International Women’s Day

ZLHR Statement on International Women’s Day

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ON International Women’s Day, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) calls upon the public to celebrate the contributions of women.

ZLHR also encourages Zimbabwean authorities to take positive measures to improve the welfare of all women in the country.

International Women’s Day is commemorated annually on the 8th of March, to highlight the important contributions of women. The achievements of women in economic, social, cultural and political spheres should be celebrated by all members of society as they advance global development and international peace. International Women’s Day is also an opportunity for men to show solidarity in elimination of gender inequality from the world. It is imperative that men take a stand against the gender inequality and gender discrimination that has unfairly prevented women from living full, prosperous and dignified lives.

The global theme for International Women’s Day in 2022 is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”. The theme challenges everyone to call out all forms of gender discrimination, gender bias and gender stereotyping, in order to create a more equal and inclusive world. Gender bias and discrimination can only be eradicated if members of the public take positive steps to challenge the entrenched attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality. The public has a duty to address the gender bias and discrimination that exists in the workplace, schools and in our communities. Everyone has a role to play in the fight to end gender discrimination. The attainment of substantive gender equality depends on the successful removal of all barriers to the advancement of women in society, such as gender stereotypes and gender bias.

In Zimbabwe, gender inequality and gender discrimination is rife in many communities. The gender discrimination that women experience tends to escalate to gender-based violence, in many instances. Women are at risk of physical harm in society because of their gender. The violence emanates from private and public sources. State actors and ordinary citizens have a duty to denounce and tackle the scourge of gender-based violence.

The State also has a duty promote full gender balance in Zimbabwean society, in terms of Section 17(1) of the Constitution. Section 17(1)(a) of the Constitution enjoins State actors to promote the full participation of women in all sectors of society, on the basis of equality with men. The Constitution also obligates the State to adopt positive measures to increase the representation of women in all government institutions and agencies. Importantly, in terms of section 17(1)(c) of the Constitution, the State has a duty to take practical steps towards increasing the availability of vital resources, such as land, to women. State actors also have an obligation to address the socio-economic imbalances that were created by gender inequality and gender discrimination, according to section 17(2) of the Constitution. Zimbabwean authorities can only reverse the adverse effects of gender inequality through comprehensive positive steps aimed at educating the public about equality and women’s rights. Such measures must dispel the myths, biases and attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality and gender discrimination in Zimbabwe.

On this International Women’s Day, ZLHR calls upon:

  • the public to celebrate the accomplishments of women all over the globe;

 

  • the public to shun gender inequality, gender discrimination and biases against women;
  • Zimbabwean authorities to take positive measures to improve the welfare of all women in the country;
  • Zimbabwean authorities to fulfil their constitutional obligation to ensure the full participation of women in all sectors of society, on the basis of equality with men; and
  • State actors to dispel the myths, biases and attitudes that perpetuate gender discrimination, by educating the public about equality and women’s rights.

ENDS

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
Kodzero/Amalungelo House
No. 103 Sam Nujoma Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: (+263 8677005347, +263 242 764085/705370/708118
Email: 
info@zlhr.org.zw
www.zlhr.org.zw
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