Gender parity: More needs to be done

ACTIONAID Zimbabwe (AAZ) joins the rest on the world in commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD) as women from Zimbabwe call for climate just policies that promote sustainable agriculture.

The theme for IWD, which is celebrated on March 8 every year was Gender equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.

As AAZ, we recognise the contribution of women and girls in Zimbabwe, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.

Women are increasingly being recognised as more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men, as they constitute the majority of the world’s poor and are more dependent on the natural resources which climate change threatens the most.

At the same time, women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation.

It is against this background that we seek to highlight and celebrate these women and girls leading the drive towards sustainable agriculture through adoption of agroecology principles and practice.

AAZ acknowledges the efforts of the government of Zimbabwe in supporting Pfumvudza/Itwasa/ agroecology initiatives aimed at promoting food security for communities affected by perennial droughts.

However, AAZ calls for more support towards climate financing of women affected by climate change to ensure resilient livelihoods.

Trends are showing a general decline in funding for protection for women in the humanitarian sector for example as cited by a report by ActionAid in 2019 entitled “Funding a Localised, Women-led Approach to Protection From GenderBased Violence.”

AAZ calls upon the government, policy makers and donors to:

⬤Ensure progressive taxation and spending to guarantee the provision gender responsive public services.

⬤Formu⬤ate policies that promote women’s participation at local, provincial and national level especially on disaster risk reduction committees.

⬤Commit to funding feminist economic alternatives that promote a green and just economy.