Speaking at the launch of the women's directory organised by Zimbabwe Women's Empowerment Group (ZWEG) on Thursday, ACBF Executive Secretary, Dr Soumana Sako, said the Zimbabwe government was making commendable progress towards addressing gender issues.
"The African Capacity Building Foundation recognises the efforts of the government of Zimbabwe and its people in addressing gender inequalities through women empowerment initiatives," he said.
"Let me take this opportunity to commend the government of Zimbabwe for its personal commitment in fast forwarding efforts aimed at addressing gender imbalances."
He said women had a right to equal opportunities, access to resources as well as participation in decision-making in all spheres of lives.
"Women need to be empowered by enhancing their knowledge, skills, opportunities, decision making and power bases so as to provide them with capacities and capabilities to exercise influence and leadership," he said.
Sako said the appointment of Zimbabwe's first female Vice President, Joyce Mujuru, and the recent election of three female heads of government in Chile, Germany and Liberia, was a seminal moment for the advancement of women in politics as a reflection of how far women could go if given the opportunity to play a pivotal role within the society.
The ACBF also supports the Zimbabwe Women's Resource Centre and Network to promote gender budgeting in Zimbabwe aimed at promoting gender sensitive developmental policies and budgets to reduce poverty in Zimbabwe. ' New Ziana.
