INFORMATION Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services minister Tatenda Mavetera has become the first minister to publicly express opposition to the amendment of some sections of the Constitution.
Government has gazetted Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill, which proposes sweeping changes to the 2013 Constitution, among them extending presidential term limits.
The Bill also seeks to abolish the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) and incorporate its functions into the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC).
According to the Bill’s memorandum, the ZHRC is mandated to protect all human rights, including gender rights and the amendment will remove duplication of functions.
Speaking in her personal capacity on X while responding to opposition politician Fadzayi Mahere, Mavetera said ZGC should not be abolished, but strengthened.
“I repeat, I do not agree with this specific proposed amendment to abolish the commission,” she said.
“Personally, I am not on board with the clause proposing to abolish the Gender Commission. Instead, I think we should strengthen it more.
She said the commission played a crucial role in monitoring gender-related issues and advocating equality.
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“The Gender Commission is a vital watchdog for gender issues that affect all Zimbabweans, both men and women.
“It plays a crucial role in monitoring and advocating for equality. I want to be explicit about this.”
According to Mavetera, the women’s league led by Mabel Chinomona has consistently championed women empowerment.
She added that Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa also did not support the proposed clause.
“Her [Mutsvangwa’s] entire ministry is dedicated to strengthening the very fabric of gender equality and she does not back any move that weakens the institutional framework we have built.”
Legislative watchdog, Veritas, also criticised the proposal to abolish ZGC.
According to Veritas, abolishing ZGC will effectively silence women’s voices and weaken their protection.
“I’s abolition will dilute focus, forcing gender issues to compete with broader human rights concerns. Survivors of gender-based violence and discrimination may face reduced visibility and support, leaving them more vulnerable,” Veritas said in its commentary.
“Zimbabwe risks breaching its commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women [CEDAW] and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which require member States to have strong, independent gender-focused institutions.”
Parliament has announced that public consultations will be conducted to allow citizens to express their views on the proposed amendments.
