THE Economic Justice for Women’s Project (EJWP) has petitioned Parliament on the need to enact a relevant National Gender Policy following the expiry of the previous blueprint back in 2022.

The policy is a government framework that outlines strategies and actions to achieve gender equality and equity, ensuring that both men and women benefit equally from development and participate fully in all aspects of society.

After its lapse in 2022, Zimbabwe has not yet enacted another policy blueprint to dictate the way forward in attaining gender-based goals for the country.

Speaking to NewZimbabwe.com shortly after filing a petition at the Parliament of Zimbabwe, EJWP Executive Director, Margaret Mutsamvi, said the gender policy is an important instrument for promoting gender equality in all spheres of society to include employment, health, education, and political representation.

“At the moment, so many strategies, Bills, and policies are being developed, and without incorporating the gender policy, they may overlook the significance of being gender- responsive and inclusive,e meaning women are missing out on the ongoing development gains since its expiration. See why it’s urgent?” she said.

She noted that petitioning Parliament was inspired by the realisation that they are the lawmakers with the mandate to propose, draft, or vote for laws with authority to summon hearings, investigate issues, and monitor the full implementation of laws and the respective financing of such.

Mutsamvi said parliamentary officials, who received the petition on behalf of the Clerk of Parliament, said we would get a response on the matter in three weeks.

“In the meantime, we are having a parallel online campaign, building awareness amongst other women's groups on why the gender policy is key in our everyday work in empowering women and towards gender justice.

“As we celebrate Women’s Month, at every opportunity we get, we highlight why the gender policy is critical at the moment and the opportunity costs. We primarily seek to engage all relevant stakeholders through any means to push for this urgent request,” added Mutsamvi.