The Zimbabwe Gender Commission must remain a standalone body because it is “a pillar of national development and social justice”, not a luxury, the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has said, warning that merging it would weaken rights protection and stall progress in communities.
WCoZ said an independent Gender Commission protects rights, strengthens development, ensures accountability, coordinates national efforts, supports communities, promotes peace and gives gender equality a permanent institutional home.
“It is not a luxury, it is a pillar of national development and social justice,” WCoZ said.
“The Zimbabwe Gender Commission is here to protect everyone - women, men, boys and girls. The Commission helps stop unfair treatment, violence and discrimination by educating communities about fairness, shared responsibilities and ending violence. When families are safe and respected, they become stronger, and so do communities.”
WCoZ said no other institution carries the same mandate.
“A standalone Gender Commission keeps gender equality at the centre of national development like no other institution. It makes sure issues affecting both men and women remain visible, prioritised, resourced and monitored,” the statement said.
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“Development is not only about roads, boreholes, clinics or projects. Development is also about people - how we treat each other, how we share opportunities and how we build strong families.”
The coalition said the Commission ensures women and men benefit equally, training and resources are distributed fairly, and development remains peaceful, inclusive and sustainable.
“When development includes everyone, the whole community grows.”
On service delivery, WCoZ said the Commission assists people facing gender-based violence or discrimination by listening, guiding and working with local leaders to ensure they receive help and justice.
It also linked equality to economic growth.
“The Commission promotes equal opportunities in farming, education, health and community projects. When women and men both participate fully, families earn more and communities develop faster.”
WCoZ said gender equality was not only a rights issue, but also a development issue.
“A standalone Commission ensures both women and men benefit equally from farming inputs, livestock and land resources are shared fairly, mining communities are protected from exploitation, girls stay in school and families live in peace. When gender equality improves, harvests improve, incomes rise and communities become more resilient.”
On oversight, WCoZ said the Commission ensures government offices, leaders and workplaces follow the law and treat people fairly, helping strengthen trust in public institutions.
While acknowledging that Zimbabwe has strong gender laws and policies, WCoZ warned implementation remained uneven.
“The Gender Commission monitors compliance with gender laws by tracking progress, identifying gaps, advising Parliament and government, and ensuring institutions follow the law. Without a standalone body for gender equality, enforcement becomes weak and inconsistent, and development suffers,” the statement said.