United Nations in

UnitedÊNationsÊ Newsletter Zimbabwe Issue 9 • February - May 2014 www.zw.one.un.org

SPECIAL FOCUS Gender Equality

IN THIS ISSUE The ninth edition of the United Nations in Zimbabwe newsletter is dedicated to PAGE 1 UN engagement in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment Advancing Women’s Rights Through initiatives in Zimbabwe. This newsletter also highlights issues related to Constitutional Provisions health, skills, and human trafficking. Finally, this newsletter covers updates

PAGE 3 on the development of the new Zimbabwe United Nations Development A Joint UN UnitedÊNationsÊ Programme to Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF) for 2016-2020, the UN’s partnership with Advance Women’s the Harare International Festival of Arts, and the Zimbabwe International Empowerment Trade Fair. PAGE 4 Refurbishing Maternity Waiting FEATURE ARTICLE: Homes to Enhance Zimbabwe Maternal Health Services Advancing Women’s Rights Through PAGE 5 “Not Yet Uhuru” in Realising Maternal Constitutional Provisions and Child Health Rights The new Constitution adopted Constitution provides the bedrock A special through a popular referendum in upon which systems and policies measure to PAGE 6 Promoting Gender 2013 was a major milestone in the can be built to enhance women’s increase women’s Equality Through history of Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans equal participation in all sectors of representation in Harnessing the Power from all walks of life participated society. Parliament, and of Radio in translating their individual and To mark this breakthrough for a provision for collective aspirations into a new achieving gender PAGE 7 women in the new Constitution, Empowering Women Supreme Law of the land. the national commemoration of balance in all and Youth With New public entities and Skills Women, both as individuals and the 2014 International Women’s as organized groups, actively Day was held under the theme, commissions are PAGE 8 participated in the constitution- “Celebrating Women’s Gains now part of the New Law in Place new Constitution. to Combat Human making process and, as such, through Constitutional Provisions”, Trafficking helped to shape a progressive new on 26 March 2014, in Harare. Other News Constitution. Most notably, the Continues on page 2

Click on the headline of each article for online information Women, both Officiating at the event, His Excellency “Women in parliament increased as individuals President said, “We must and as organized ensure that the girl child is treated in the from 18% to 35%” groups, actively same way as the boy child. Under the Equally important, the constitution participated in Presidential Scholarship, women from each establishes a Gender Commission to protect the constitution- and every province have gone to university and monitor women’s rights. Consequently, making process and it has come back with beautiful yields.” women representation in parliament and, contributed “We, as United Nations, are very pleased that increased from 18% to 35% – well above in shaping a the new Constitution contains strong gender the global average, which stands at 21%. progressive new equality and women’s rights provisions and a However, Zimbabwe still needs to take action Constitution. very progressive Bill of Rights with a specific to promote gender equality by ensuring 50- section on women rights”, said outgoing UN 50 representation at all levels. Resident Coordinator, Mr. Alain Noudehou. Going forward, the United Nations is The UN in Zimbabwe, through the supporting national initiatives to align all Constitution Parliamentary Select existing laws and policies to the provisions in Committee, and with the generous financial the new Constitution. This process will also contribution of 11 donors, has supported the allow Zimbabwe to ensure that international constitution making process and national and regional instruments signed and ratified, advocacy initiatives for women’s rights and such as the Convention on the Elimination gender equality. of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the SADC Gender and “UN supports national initiatives Development Protocol are domesticated. to align all existing laws to the new Although some of the recent gains are Constitution” encouraging, there is still long way to go in addressing gender based inequalities. In addition to the provisions in the new As a result of this collective effort, gender Constitution, the root causes of gender equality is now enshrined within the based inequalities, which manifest in income Founding Values of the Constitution, with inequality, employment opportunity, child special measures also introduced to reserve marriage, high maternal mortality, and adequate women’s representation in the HIV incidence and prevalence, need to be National House of Assembly. addressed holistically.

2 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter Issue IX A Joint UN Programme to Advance Women’s Empowerment Four UN agencies, International Labour Organisation, UN Development Programme, UN Population Fund and UN Women launched the Joint Programme to Promote Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment on 27 February 2014 in Harare.

It is implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development. The Joint Programme with a total budget of USD 10.6 million runs from 2014 to 2017. So far, half of the required fund, USD 5.3 million, has been generously provided by the Government of Sweden.

The programme supports the promotion of women’s political participation, contributes to women’s economic empowerment, and advocates for national accountability on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The programme also contributes to the achievement of gender targets of the 2012- Sustainable development cannot be achieved (L-R) Mr. Kemal 2015 ZUNDAF which aim to promote women’s unless women’s rights are respected, their Mustafa, UN Women empowerment, gender equality and equity in voices heard and their skills counted.” Officer in Charge; support of Zimbabwe’s national development Honourable Oppah goals. “UN promotes equal participation of Muchinguri, Minister men & women in economic, political and of Women Affairs, Officially launching the Joint Programme, social spheres” Gender and Community Honourable , Minister of Development, and His Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Excellency Lars Ronnås, “This programme will significantly contribute to Development, explained that this programme Ambassador of Sweden strengthening joint efforts in gender equality. “is very significant as it brings together to Zimbabwe. By working together through the 2012-2015 UN agencies, Development Partners and a ZUNDAF, we will continue to support the number of different gender equality advocates Government of Zimbabwe in its efforts to build to support the Government of Zimbabwe in a just and fair society, with equity and better attaining national gender development goals.” standards of living for all,” said the UN Women Officer in Charge, Mr. Kemal Mustafa. “Additional USD 5.3 million required to fully implement the Joint The UN in Zimbabwe, through the 2012-2015 Programme” ZUNDAF, in collaboration with Development Partners has so far supported the development of National Gender Policy, advocacy to Speaking at the launch, His Excellency, Lars ensure women’s rights through supporting Ronnås, Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe the enactment of the Domestic Violence said, “Sweden has a long history of promoting Act, setting up of the anti-domestic violence gender equality in our own country and council, the adoption of the National Gender globally. Equal rights and opportunities Based Violence strategy, and the development between women and men are what we all of strong gender equality and women’s rights should work for in each and every society. provisions in the new Constitution.

Issue IX UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter 3 Refurbishing Maternity Waiting Homes to Enhance Maternal Health Services Maternity Waiting Homes provide pregnant women with information on pregnancy, new born care, family planning services and HIV treatment, prevention and counnselling services.

As part of the ongoing collective efforts to stem treatment, prevention and counselling services. the high maternal mortality rate in the country, Through funding of USD 13 million from the which stands at 525 deaths per 100,000 live European Union (EU), the births (2012 Zimbabwe United Nations and the Census), the United Nations Ministry of Health and Child in Zimbabwe is supporting the “Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality Care have been renovating refurbishment of maternity is high at 525 deaths per 100,000 and refurbishing 105 waiting homes. live births” maternity waiting homes at The maternity waiting district, mission and rural homes are facilities, within hospitals. easy reach of a hospital or health centre where The programme has also procured 63 US34 DOLLARS pregnant women can stay towards the end of ambulances, which have since been distributed pregnancy and await labour. Once labour starts, to benefiting hospitals across the country. The Zimbabwe’s expecting mothers are transferred to the nearby EU supported programme also seeks to train National health facility or hospital so that labour and child 800 service providers in emergency obstetric Health Strategy birth are assisted by a skilled birth attendant. recommended per care, neonatal care and community mobilisation capita allocation and awareness building. Additionally, two UN to health. Actual “800 service providers to be trained agencies, namely the World Food Programme allocations stand in emergency obstetric care, and the UN Population Fund, are collaborating at USD 16 per neonatal care” to ensure that the nutritional needs of pregnant capita and half women are met. of the 15% Abuja Apart from the nutritional support, the women Declaration target. The maternity waiting homes also provide an are also provided with mosquito nets, hygiene opportunity for pregnant women to receive and sanitation services. information on pregnancy, labour, childbirth, new born care, family planning services and HIV

4 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter Issue IX “Not Yet Uhuru” in Realising Maternal and Child Health Rights The United Nations in Zimbabwe has called for more concerted efforts among all stakeholders in addressing maternal and child mortality. Addressing more than 80 delegates attending the Health Four Plus (H4+) Inter Country Annual Planning Meeting and Communication Workshop held from 26-31 May 2014, in Victoria Falls, Mr. Reza Hossaini, Acting UN Resident Coordinator said, “It is not yet Uhuru,” and there is a need to double efforts in accelerating progress towards achieving the maternal and child health targets of the MDGs. “Everyday a plane load of women are dying because of preventable complications related to pregnancy and child birth. To achieve the set goals we need to double, even triple our efforts”, added Mr. Hossaini.

“45% reduction in maternal deaths achieved globally since 1990”

The Acting UN Resident Coordinator further called for strengthened partnerships and collaborations the World Bank. In Zimbabwe, it is funded to the H4+ Programme in among governments, UN agencies, development tune of USD 11.7 million by the Governments Zimbabwe provides partners, NGOs and communities themselves if of Sweden and Canada, aiming at accelerating well managed reversing maternal and child mortality is to gain progress towards maternal, neonatal and child sufficient numbers momentum. morbidity and mortality reduction. of skilled human resource to deliver Mr. Hossaini’s remarks come against a backdrop The programme aims at reducing transport comprehensive of some hopeful gains since maternal mortality costs to ensure access to maternal and neonatal rural maternal, rate trends have been declining globally. services at health facilities as well as to provide neonatal and child According to recent United Nations estimates critical equipment and supplies to ensure quality health care. released by the World Health Organization, services at these facilities. about 289,000 women died in 2013 from preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth, which is down from 523,000 in 1990. “USD $11.7 million mobilized to This represents a 45% reduction in maternal enhance maternal and newborn health deaths. These results are encouraging, but still services” The UN in fall short of radically reducing maternal and child collaboration with mortality. In line with the UN Secretary General’s strategy, Development The delegates were comprised of professionals the H4+ joint programme in Zimbabwe in Partners supports from over 12 countries in Africa and beyond. The collaboration with the Ministry of Health and national initiatives objective of the workshop was to foster greater Child Care aims to address life threatening to enhance human synergy and effectiveness between experts to complications of pregnant women and new- resources for formulate a strategy for an informed advocacy borns during the first few hours and days of health including on the H4+ Programme among all stakeholders, childbirth in six selected districts. These districts health worker particularly among the target communities. are identified as the most vulnerable and hardest management, to reach part of the country. training and The H4+ partnership includes collaboration from retention scheme. UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, WHO, and

Issue IX UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter 5 Promoting Gender Equality Through Harnessing the Power of Radio

The United Nations advocates for harnessing Honorable , Deputy Minister the enduring power of radio to promote gender of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services. equality and women’s empowerment and to The Deputy Minister highlighted Government’s amplify the voice of women readiness to license radio over the air waves. channels in 25 regional urban With the ability to reach “Radio a vital platform for centers and their ongoing up to 95% of the world’s promoting freedom of expression efforts to migrate to digital population, radio remains the and advancing gender equality” broadcasting before 2015 most popular mass medium. with the aim to provide The UN promotes radio as a Zimbabwe with the capacity medium to improve international cooperation to open 40 TV channels. He underlined the between broadcasters, and to encourage major need to avail opportunities for more women networks and community radio stations alike to participate in the broadcasting industry and to promote access to information, freedom of assured participants that “The Government will expression and gender equality. ensure the training of more women and promote the welfare of all journalists.” “The airwaves have frequently lagged behind

when it comes to gender equality. Not nearly “Without the voices of more than half the world’s Elsie Mojapelo and enough women’s voices are heard – either population [women], how can we understand Thabani Gambiza in front or behind the microphone,” Prof. the whole story?” Irina Bokova, Director-General of Radio Zimbabwe Luk Rukingama, UNESCO Regional Director of UNESCO, said in her message on World reporting live from for Southern Africa and Radio Day, a sentiment that Africa Unity Square Representative to Zimbabwe “No one can understand the was also reiterated by Prof. during the national said, addressing over 300 Rukingama at the event. commemoration whole story, without the voices of participants at the World of the World Radio more than half the population” The Ministry of Media, Radio Day event held on 13 Day, in Harare. Information and Broadcasting February 2014 in Harare. Services called upon all “Women should not only be given the space broadcasting stations in the country to promote as radio presenters but should be given the the voices of women and to dedicate messages opportunity to participate in all spheres of on the role of women within broadcasting decision making to influence opinion”, said organizations.

6 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter Issue IX Empowering Women and Youth With New Skills

The United Nations, through the Training for Rural Economic Empowerment Programme, is strengthening skills development for youth and women. The programme aims to improve employability, promote access to employment opportunities and increase incomes for inclusive and sustainable growth. So far, through the 2012-2015 ZUNDAF, the United Nations supported the training of over 8,000 youth and women for self or wage employment with an employment rate of approximately 90%.

“UN initiated skills development programme: a working model for empowerment”

The Programme, fully funded by the Government of Denmark to the tune of USD 8 million, is Nations Skills for Youth Employment and Rural For every dollar implemented by the International Labour Development Programme, and thereafter earned by a woman Organisation (ILO) under the leadership of the was placed as an apprentice with a Master in emerging Government, and in collaboration with trade Craftsperson for six months. markets including in unions, employers and civil society organizations. Zimbabwe, 90 cents Esther has learned how to make furniture and will be invested in The youth and rural development projects are run a business. She now rents an area in the the education and being implemented in 30 districts covering 9 High Glen Complex, which houses carpenters health of her family, provinces, so far yielding positive results for and furniture makers, where she works and sells (World Bank). vulnerable youth and women in those areas. from. During a tour to youth and rural empowerment projects in Mutoko on 5 March 2014, Mr. Erik B. Rasmussen, Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal “Over 8,000 youth and women Danish Embassy in Zimbabwe said, “Women in trained for self or wage the skills development programme are the most employment with an employment important participants, because women tend to rate of 90%” invest whatever proceeds they make from these projects back into their families, which means 8,308 youth, investing in better future.” Being a young single mother is not easy, but now 46% female, For every dollar earned by a woman in emerging thanks to the skills development she received, trained in markets including in Zimbabwe, 90 cents will she can afford to pay her rent, school fees and 32 districts be invested in the education and health of her put food on the table. Esther’s plan is to secure averaging a family, according to the World Bank. her future by increasing her production of sofas, monthly income which is her speciality. She says confidently, “I of 150 USD. One of the beneficiaries of the programme is can now make sofas”. Esther Karikoga, a 32 year old single mother of two. “My life was very difficult because I was Witnessing first-hand the impact of the projects living from assistance given to me by family and in Mutoko, the Deputy Minister of Youth, friends. I wasn’t able to look after myself because Indigenization and Economic Empowerment, I didn’t have money. So if I needed anything I Honourable Mathias Tongofa said, “The skills would go and ask my relatives for school fees for development programme, with technical my children and money to pay rent, so this was support from ILO, has provided a working model very difficult.” to the Government and social partners, including workers and employers.” Esther joined a carpenter course at St. Peters Vocational Training Center, through the United

Issue IX UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter 7 New Law in Place to Combat Human Trafficking Amid concerns that Zimbabwe has increasingly human trafficking issues in Zimbabwe.” become a source, transit and destination for victims Congratulating the Government on the new of human trafficking, the Government of Zimbabwe Bill, Mr. Ocaga noted, “The new Trafficking in ratified the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Persons Bill ensures that Zimbabwe abides by its Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons. The commitments as a state party to the UN Convention United Nations closely worked with the Government on Transnational Organised Crime and the Palermo to promote the domestication of the protocol in Trafficking in Person Protocol.” Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, addressing over 60 national and The new Trafficking in Persons Bill, entered into international development force in May 2014, establishes Mr. Martin Ocaga partners as well as the media a crime of human trafficking in speaking at the “Addressing human trafficking at the ninth edition of the Zimbabwe and also provides ninth edition of a collective responsibility of all Wednesday@UNIC public for the protection of victims Wednesday@UNIC members of society” discussion held on 19 March of trafficking, establishment of on the issue of 2014, Mr. Ocaga said “Many shelters for victims, and extra human trafficking people, including boys and girls, are trafficked from territorial judicial provisions for Zimbabwean courts. in Zimbabwe. or through Zimbabwe to South Africa for labour In recognition of the disproportionate effect of exploitation as well as to many other countries.” trafficking on women and children, the United The IOM Chief of Mission noted that human Nations cooperated with the Women Parliamentary trafficking is a challenge that cannot be left for the Caucus, through the Women in Politics Support Unit Government alone but requires concerted efforts at in raising awareness on human trafficking. national and regional levels. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) The issue of community engagement and Chief of Mission, Mr. Martin Ocaga said, “The United awareness-raising at a grassroots level and the need Nations engaged 15 female Members of Parliament to establish rehabilitation programmes to victims of in promoting the new Bill in an effort to address trafficking were raised by participants. OTHER NEWS: ZUNDAF Rollout he UN and the Government are currently rolling out the 2016- Ministries on ZUNDAF Programming Principles. The training T2020 Zimbabwe UN Development Assistance Framework covered the Human Rights-Based Approach to Programming, (ZUNDAF). The 2016-2020 ZUNDAF will be directly informed by Environmental Sustainability, Capacity Development, Gender the 2013-2018 Zim Asset and also address emerging development Mainstreaming, and Result-Based Management. Currently, an issues from the ongoing Post-2015 Development Agenda process. evaluation of the 2012-2015 ZUNDAF is being conducted anda As part of the ZUNDAF rollout, the UN facilitated the training of Country Analysis is soon to commence. 40 programme personnel from UN agencies and the Government Promoting Social Responsibility among Artists UN at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair he UN, in partnership with the Harare International Festival of he United Nations in Zimbabwe participated at the annual TArts (HIFA), sponsored a series of workshops from 19 April – 4 TZimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) held in Bulawayo May 2014. The workshops provided an opportunity for local and from 25-26 April 2014. The joint UN information stand, which was international artists to exchange experiences in promoting social visited by over 1,500 visitors, allowed the United Nations to share responsibility, particularly on the need to promote the MDGs and the latest updates on the 2012-2015 ZUNDAF supported national the participation of young people in the ongoing discussion on Post- development results, the MDGs and the Post-2015 Development 2015 Development agenda. Agenda.

Empowered lives. Resilient nations.

Funding for the production of the UN in Zimbabwe Office of the UN Resident Coordinator Newsletter is provided by members of the UN Country Block 10, Arundel Office Park, Norfolk Road, Mount Pleasant Team as well as through a generous grant from the PO Box 4775, Harare - Zimbabw Government of Sweden. www.zw.one.un.org 8 UN in Zimbabwe Newsletter Issue IX