Economic empowerment

In Zimbabwe, women are concentrated in rural areas where there are limited resources. For human development to be achieved, the welfare of women needs to be taken into consideration. Zimbabwe has made significant strides in promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion. Various measures, policies and support mechanisms are being continually implemented to elevate the status of women, men, girls and boys in line with domestic commitments, and to fulfill regional and international obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In terms of gender economic empowerment and financial inclusion, the country has focused mainly on women, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), youth, disadvantaged men and other disadvantaged communities. The particular focus on women stems from a recognition that, worldwide, women have been historically disadvantaged in terms of education, social exclusion, discrimination, and access to assets, land and other economic or social resources.

Youth unemployment is high in Zimbabwe and the challenges faced by young people with some form of disability are particularly acute. Perceptions and structural barriers make it even harder for persons living with disability to gain incomes and to take their place in society.

The Covid19 pandemic deepened LGBTQIA+ community marginalization and vulnerability to poverty due to continuous risks and threats to their livelihoods. The Zimbabwean economy continues to weaken and efforts established for social protection are none responsive to the LGBTQIA+ priorities and needs. Majority of LGBTQIA+ individuals are employed in the informal sector which has been hard hit by the pandemic. Since 31 March 2002, the Government of Zimbabwe instituted a series of regulations resulting in restrictions around economic activities. The compulsory lockdowns enforced by the Government have seen millions of citizens including the LGBTQIA+ community experiencing an erosion of sources of income with no economic leverage to sustain themselves.