The Triple Challenge of Zimbabwe: Gender, Environment, and Climate Change

Editorial Opinion By Ilyana Sithole

At the 2024 National Gender Forum in Gwanda, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe made a major stride towards a sustainable future. In her keynote speech, read on her behalf by Hon. Sithembiso Nyoni, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Her Excellency, First Lady Dr. Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa emphasised the vital connection between women, the environment, and climate change. A topical topic, considering Zimbabwe’s present challenges with the destruction brought on by climate-related calamities.

Heatwaves, cyclones, floods, and droughts are among the climate-related calamities that the country is seeing an increase in. The ritual of gathering firewood, food, and water is primarily performed by women and girls, who also handle the majority of the job. The fact that this uneven cost exacerbates pre-existing social and economic inequality highlights the need for gender-sensitive climate measures.

In Zimbabwe, there are many different and intricate relationships between gender, the environment, and climate change. Agricultural and food security, catastrophe risk reduction, access to resources and technology, cultural and social norms, gender roles and responsibilities, and the effects of climate change and environmental degradation are a few of the variables.

Fortunately, some initiatives to tackle climate change and promote environmental sustainability have been launched by the Zimbabwean government. These include Pfumvudza/Intwasa, the National Clean Up Campaign, National Tree Planting Day, and the Geo Pomona Waste Management project. Such programs demonstrate a commitment to mitigating the consequences of climate change.

Moreover, the Agric-For-She program and the Zero Waste Management Drive of the Angel of Hope Foundation empower women via agriculture by providing equipment, chemicals, and inputs that are needed. These initiatives increase food security and livelihoods by enticing women to work in climate-resilient agriculture.

Zimbabwe’s gender-responsive initiatives, like the National Gender Policy and Zimbabwe Climate Change Gender Action Plan, also offer a solid foundation for progress. These frameworks recognise the gendered dimensions of climate change, which makes room for targeted solutions.

In order to achieve a sustainable Zimbabwe, Dr. Mnangagwa stressed in her speech the importance of putting present policies into effect, collaborating with a variety of stakeholders, and adopting concerted action. Gender equality and climate change are related since women’s freedom is necessary for resilience.

Cooperation and the implementation of policies are necessary for effective climate action. Through the National Gender Forum, women’s perspectives and voices are significantly amplified in climate decision-making. Collaboration and innovation are encouraged by this assembly of public, private, and civil society representatives.

Action must be taken immediately. Zimbabwe can overcome its environmental problems and provide a sustainable future for coming generations by working together in partnerships and collective efforts. International and regional collaboration can learn from Zimbabwe’s advancements in this field.

Building resilience against climate change ultimately requires advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. In the end, strengthening resilience against climate change requires advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

In order to ensure that everyone has a sustainable future, Zimbabwe must continue to put the needs and viewpoints of its most vulnerable inhabitants first.