By Dumisani Ndlovu
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) is set to host the 2024 National Gender Forum on September 13th in Gwanda, Matabeleland South.
The forum will focus on the theme “Gender, Environment, and Climate Change: Building Resilience and Sustainable Development through Gender Equality.”
The event aims to address the disproportionate impact of climate change and environmental degradation on women, who rely heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods. According to the ZGC, women are more vulnerable to climate change due to their limited access to productive resources, including land and capital.
The forum will bring together experts, activists, and community members to discuss strategies for building resilience and promoting sustainable development through gender mainstreaming. The event will also explore ways to increase awareness on environment and climate change issues.
Leading up to the National Forum, the ZGC will host nine Provincial Gender Forums to gather local insights on environmental and climate change impacts. The provincial forums will be held on the following dates and venues:
- August 20: Masvingo Provincial Gender Forum at Mushandike Secondary School, Masvingo District
- August 20: Matabeleland North Provincial Gender Forum at Baobab Hotel, Hwange District
- August 23: Manicaland Provincial Gender Forum at St Albans Chiweshe Primary School, Nyashanu Buhera District
- August 23: Bulawayo Provincial Gender Forum at Bulawayo Club
- August 27: Mashonaland East Provincial Gender Forum at BSPZ Hall, Mtawatawa, Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) District
- August 27: Midlands Provincial Gender Forum at Neta Secondary School, Mberengwa District
- August 29: Mashonaland Central Provincial Gender Forum at Kakora Primary School, Chiweshe, Mazowe District
- August 30: Mashonaland West Provincial Gender Forum at Makande High School, Kariba District
- September 4: Harare Provincial Gender Forum at Chitungwiza Huruyadzo Community Hall
The provincial forums will inform discussions at the National Forum, ensuring that local perspectives and solutions are integrated into the national strategy.
“We aim to address the pressing issues of gender, environment, and climate change and foster a more resilient and equitable society,” said ZGC Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe.
ZGC Chairperson, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe.
