By Thelma Wandayi
The Maputo Protocol, a powerful tool in the fight for women’s rights, continues to hold immense importance and relevance in present-day Zimbabwe. Signed over two decades ago, this agreement has paved the way for gender equality and empowerment.
Zimbabwe, is a signatory to the protocol solidifying its commitment to eradicating gender disparities.
Formally known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, was adopted by the African Union on July 11, 2003, in Maputo, Mozambique.
The protocol sets out numerous rights and protections for women across Africa, providing a comprehensive framework to combat violence against women, eliminate gender-based discrimination, and promote social and economic equality.
Bridging the gap between the protocol and its implementation is the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ), a dedicated women advocacy group committed to ensuring that the rights outlined in the Maputo Protocol become a reality for women in Zimbabwe.
WCOZ acting as a robust women advocacy group, has been actively working towards creating an environment where the rights of women are upheld, respected, and advanced.
Nozipho Rutsate, the Chairperson for WCOZ Gweru, acknowledges the relevance of the protocol in the present day.
Despite the long road ahead, she is encouraged by the changes witnessed in certain areas. However, she remains cognizant that much still needs to be done to fully address the challenges faced by women in Zimbabwe.
“We have come a long way, but there is still much work to be done. “The Maputo Protocol is an essential roadmap for achieving gender equality and empowering women in our society, she exclaimed
Rutsate, says the coalition aims to educate women about their rights and empower them to be actively involved in decision making at all levels.
“We want women to be educated and aware of their rights. In order to achieve this, WCOZ has undertaken numerous programs and projects to support and empower women.
Through these initiatives, some women have managed to break through barriers and attain positions of power in management, decision-making bodies, and even parliament”, she asserts
Rutsate emphasizes the importance of women’s representation in policy-making and decision-making processes.
“We want women’s voices to be heard. We advocate for the inclusion of women in committees and seeks to create opportunities for their active participation in shaping policies that affect them,” she stated
One major advocacy effort of WCOZ has been the push for a gender desk/office at the Gweru City Council that will address the concerns and issues plaguing women when it comes to efficient service delivery.
Rutsate reveals that council has expressed their willingness and acknowledged the need to establish such a platform and is currently in the process of implementing it.
“Very soon, we will have the gender desk that will address the unique challenges women face, fostering inclusivity, and safeguarding their interests and concerns of women regarding service delivery. It is an important step towards empowering and amplifying the voices of women in Gweru,” Rutsate shares with optimism.
The journey towards achieving gender equality is an ongoing struggle, one that Rutsate acknowledges requires unyielding dedication.
“The Maputo Protocol is important, as it directly addresses the same issues that women’s rights activists have been fighting against for the past twenty years.Even today, access to basic necessities such as clean water remains a challenge in some areas. WCOZ acknowledges the long-term commitment required to address these recurring issues and vows to continue their advocacy efforts for years to come,” Rutsate emphasizes
Rutsate says it is important to implement effective strategies to ensure that women do not lag behind and are not left out of the progress being made.
”To ensure effective implementation of the protocol, WCOZ has devised strategic initiatives and plans. These strategies are key to closing the gender gap and preventing women from being left behind or marginalized. By tirelessly working towards increasing representation and empowering women, we envision a future where gender equality is not just advocated for, but fully realized on all fronts,
“We are doing everything in our power to increase women’s representation and amplify the voices of women. We are leaving no stone unturned,”said Rutsate.
As women’s rights continue to gain recognition and momentum worldwide, the importance and relevance of the Maputo Protocol cannot be overstated. It serves as a vital framework for achieving gender equality in Zimbabwe and beyond.