By Donald Nyarota
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) proudly participated in the International Women’s Day national commemorations on March 7th in Marange, reaffirming its dedication to empowering women and girls and promoting a more equitable future for all.
Through support from Amplify Change, CNRG mobilized women from community-based organizations like the Marange Women Alliance (MWA) and the Zivai Community Empowerment Trust (ZICET) in Manicaland to attend the celebrations.
Amplify Change is an organization dedicated to secure full attainment of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all through building a stronger civil society, with diverse organizations who are resilient and work together to form movements for change.
It supports CNRG under a project Community Led Resistance to Violence Against Women which seeks to build community resilience in addressing interconnected issues: violence against women and violations of sexual reproductive health rights.
Women from MWA and ZICET joined in the celebrations in Marange at Munyarari Primary School on 7 March, describing this event as an opportunity for reflection on the milestones on gender empowerment in Zimbabwe.
The International Women’s Day celebrations were held under the theme ‘Accelerate Action’ emphasizing the urgent need to advance gender parity.
Billian Matambo with MWA said this was a significant experience for women to be exposed to critical networking opportunities in advancing gender equality, especially for women in rural areas which lack access to such opportunities.
“It was our first time, and I’m grateful to have attended the International Women’s Day event hosted by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. The networking opportunities were massive, and we forged new relationships, especially with organizations like the Gender Commission of Zimbabwe and others working on women’s empowerment.
“We were inspired by stories of women empowering themselves. We also connected with numerous women’s organizations that created a supportive environment, which we couldn’t find anywhere else. Moreover, we learned that it was not only a celebratory time but also an opportunity to see women showcasing their talents and work in their respective areas,” she said.
Under this project, CNRG is also partnering with the Hwange Youth Empowerment Initiative, Shangano Arts, Nduji Jose Trust, Hwange District Residents Association, Centre for Environmental and Corporate Accountability Research, and Vorster Creations.
Speaking at the event Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, called for the prioritization of rights, equality, and empowerment of women and girls.
“We are celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and girls around the world,” Minister Mutsvangwa said in her keynote address at the national commemorations.
Women wearing branded T Shirts at the IWD celebrations at Munyarari Primary School, Marange.
This year’s theme is “All women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”. The theme serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the importance of inclusive and collective action.
Minister Mutsvangwa said women and girls continue to face significant barriers to achieving their full potential.
“From discriminatory laws and policies to societal norms and stereotypes, women and girls are often marginalized, excluded, and silenced,” said Minister Mutsvangwa. “We owe it to ourselves to create a future free from discrimination.”
Senior Projects Officer Ndaizivei Garura says the interventions of CNRG envision a world where women have access to their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
“We are committed to empowering a vibrant, diverse, and united civil society to drive transformative changes and advance human rights,” said Garura.
ZICET director Mildred Muzanechita said the celebration is about the incredible strength and resilience of women and the importance of accelerating action toward gender equality.
“I was impressed by the numerous women who showcased their work, including crafts, livelihoods, and other entrepreneurial ventures. It was encouraging to see women from different backgrounds and age groups participating and exhibiting their products.
“The event served as a platform for women to learn from each other, share experiences, and be inspired by one another’s achievements. This aligns with the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day: ‘Accelerating Action’ towards achieving gender equality. I encourage all women to attend such events to empower themselves and others,” she said.
Legal Aid Services: On this important day, CNRG provided legal aid to women in the community, helping them navigate issues related to their rights and access to justice. This initiative aimed to empower women to understand and assert their legal entitlements, particularly in a region facing challenges such as child marriages and gender-based violence (GBV).
Awareness Raising: The event included awareness campaigns addressing pressing issues affecting women in Marange, such as child marriages and GBV. Through informative sessions, we highlighted the importance of women’s rights and the need for collective action against these social injustices.