Women Caucus
What is the Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus?
The ZWPC is a group of female parliamentarians drawn from the Senate and the National Assembly working together to lobby the Government on women empowerment legislation and policies.
When was the ZWPC Launched?
The Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus was launched in October 2001.Why was it formed?
The Women Parliamentary Caucus was formed in response to the SADC Parliamentary Forum initiative to create a platform for women parliamentarians to rise above party politics and address issues of common concern as women leaders.The Vision
The ZWPC strives to attain full and equal participation of women in a democratic and gender-responsive environment.The Mission
Proactively, with one voice, advocate for legislation, policies, and practices that promote women’s rights and empowerment.What are the Core Values?
- Commitment to gender equity and peace
- Integrity
- Tolerance
- Respect
- Accountability
Objectives of the ZWPC
- Advocate for legislation on gender mainstreaming
- Facilitate effective implementation of the national gender policy
- Provide a forum for discussion on women’s issues across party lines
- Promote effective participation of women in Parliament
- Sensitize Parliamentarians on gender equality principles
- Facilitate networking for gender equality initiatives
Operations of the Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus
The operations of the Caucus are guided by a Constitution which provides for,
among other things, membership and management of the Caucus.
Membership
Membership is open to all Zimbabwean Women Members of Parliament and Associate
Members upon payment of a prescribed fee. Associate Members include former women
Members of Parliament.
Highlights of Achievements
- Influenced enactment of the Domestic Violence Act (2007)
- Increased women’s representation in Parliament to 34.9%
- Advocated for a gender-sensitive Constitution (2013)
- Extended women’s quota to 2033
- Launched the 50/50 Advocacy Campaign
- Reformed marriage laws culminating in the Marriages Act (2022)
- Advocated Gender Responsive Budgeting since 2018
Publications
- Counting the Gains – 8th & 9th Parliament Photobooks
- ZWPC Newsletter – 9th Parliament
- ZWPC Strategic Plans (2015–2018, 2018–2023)
- Women’s Manifesto (2018–2023)
Awareness Campaigns
The Caucus actively commemorates:
- International Women’s Day
- World Breastfeeding Week
- 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
