News
By Priscilla Mafa
The Women's Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) will this week convene a Male Engagement Dialogue Meeting on Gender Equality and Community Accountability in Mining Communities in Zvishavane as part of ongoing efforts to promote inclusive development and address gender-related challenges.
The meeting is expected to bring together community leaders, men and boys, women's rights advocates, local authorities, and representatives from civil society organisations to discuss practical strategies for advancing gender equality and strengthening community accountability.
Speaking to MSU Radio ahead of the dialogue, the Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe Zvishavane Chapter said the initiative recognizes the important role men play in creating safer, more equitable, and more inclusive communities.
“Gender equality is not a women's issue alone. Sustainable progress can only be achieved when men and women work together to challenge harmful norms and promote respect, inclusion, and equal opportunities for everyone,” she said.
She noted that mining communities often face unique social and economic challenges that disproportionately affect women and girls.
“Many women continue to experience gender-based violence, economic exclusion, unequal access to resources, and limited participation in decision-making processes. Through this dialogue, we want communities to collectively identify solutions and strengthen accountability mechanisms,” she explained.
The engagement will focus on issues such as gender-based violence prevention, women's economic empowerment, community leadership, access to land and mining opportunities, and the promotion of positive masculinity.
According to the chapter chairperson, involving men in conversations about gender equality helps build broader community support for social transformation initiatives.
“When men become allies in promoting gender equality, communities become stronger, safer, and more prosperous. We believe this dialogue will create a platform for honest conversations and meaningful action,” she said.
Participants are expected to share experiences, identify barriers to gender equality, and develop recommendations aimed at improving the lives of women and girls in mining communities.
The dialogue forms part of broader efforts by the Women's Coalition of Zimbabwe to advance social justice, human rights, and community development across the country.
Organisers have expressed optimism that the meeting will foster stronger partnerships among stakeholders and contribute to creating more inclusive and accountable communities in Zvishavane and surrounding areas.
The meeting is expected to bring together community leaders, men and boys, women's rights advocates, local authorities, and representatives from civil society organisations to discuss practical strategies for advancing gender equality and strengthening community accountability.
Speaking to MSU Radio ahead of the dialogue, the Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe Zvishavane Chapter said the initiative recognizes the important role men play in creating safer, more equitable, and more inclusive communities.
“Gender equality is not a women's issue alone. Sustainable progress can only be achieved when men and women work together to challenge harmful norms and promote respect, inclusion, and equal opportunities for everyone,” she said.
She noted that mining communities often face unique social and economic challenges that disproportionately affect women and girls.
“Many women continue to experience gender-based violence, economic exclusion, unequal access to resources, and limited participation in decision-making processes. Through this dialogue, we want communities to collectively identify solutions and strengthen accountability mechanisms,” she explained.
The engagement will focus on issues such as gender-based violence prevention, women's economic empowerment, community leadership, access to land and mining opportunities, and the promotion of positive masculinity.
According to the chapter chairperson, involving men in conversations about gender equality helps build broader community support for social transformation initiatives.
“When men become allies in promoting gender equality, communities become stronger, safer, and more prosperous. We believe this dialogue will create a platform for honest conversations and meaningful action,” she said.
Participants are expected to share experiences, identify barriers to gender equality, and develop recommendations aimed at improving the lives of women and girls in mining communities.
The dialogue forms part of broader efforts by the Women's Coalition of Zimbabwe to advance social justice, human rights, and community development across the country.
Organisers have expressed optimism that the meeting will foster stronger partnerships among stakeholders and contribute to creating more inclusive and accountable communities in Zvishavane and surrounding areas.
Published
June 1, 2026 at 8:00 AM
