Local environmental advocacy group, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) says there is urgent need for increased women’s inclusion in key sectors, particularly in natural resources management. In a statement, ZELA highlighted the importance of creating platforms that promote women’s participation and inclusion with fewer hurdles and challenges.
“Over the years, we have made deliberate efforts to advocate for women inclusion in key sectors, focusing mainly on natural resources management. Thus, our calls for decent working conditions or and inclusion of women across the value chain in the natural resources sector. “We have been advocating for #Diging4Equality and #DecentWorkForWomen among other programs in the mining and extractive sector and we celebrate the establishment of various women-led mining associations such as Zimbabwe Women in Mining Association who have gone on to uplift and promote women participation and inclusion in the sector,” read the statement
However, the advocacy group said the climate crisis exacerbates existing gender inequalities, disproportionately impacting women and girls. “ZELA also notes that the climate crisis is not gender neutral. Women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses threats to their livelihoods, health and safety,” said the association
In response, ZELA has undertaken efforts to capacitate women in various sectors affected by climate change. “We have been capacitating women in the fisheries sector through providing training to fishing association on sustainable fishing to ensure a climate-resilient future. We have also been working with women farmers, training them on climate smart agriculture to boost productivity and enhance resilience.
“Accordingly, as we celebrate the significant achievements of women in Zimbabwe during 2023, including having the first female Attorney General in the history of the country, we continue to implore the government to create platforms and spaces that promote women’s participation and inclusion with less hurdles and challenges,” ZELA said.
Despite these advancements, the organization continues to urge the government to create and support platforms that facilitate women’s involvement in natural resources management, with fewer obstacles. Among the recommendations put forth by ZELA are calls for the media to amplify the voices of women in the natural resources and local service delivery value chains.
Additionally, the organization implored the government to establish and support women’s forums and spaces for advancing their participation in resource management and increased representation of women in both local and international natural resources governance forums, highlighting the importance of continued technical support for women in the sector.
