GWERU — Midlands State University (MSU) marked the International Women’s Day with a strong call for action, as stakeholders emphasised the need to move beyond rhetoric towards tangible progress in advancing women’s rights and inclusion.
Held at the University’s Gweru Main Campus on 24 March 2026, the commemorations ran under the global theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls” and Zimbabwe’s national call, “Give to Gain”.
The event brought together University leadership, staff, government representatives, students, and gender equality advocates.
In unpacking the theme, organisers highlighted that while progress has been made globally, women continue to experience disparities in access to opportunities.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor G. Mugumbate, Pro-Vice Chancellor – Research, Innovation and Industrialisation urged institutions to lead by example.
Her remarks reinforced the importance of embedding gender issues within University systems, research, and community engagement.
Guest of Honour, Mr. K. A. Chidhume, Provincial Development Officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, stressed that the time for symbolic commitments has passed.
He further underscored the role of universities in shaping inclusive societies:
“Universities are not only centres of knowledge production; they are also incubators of social transformation.”
Through its Gender Institute, the University continues to champion mentorship programmes, legal aid initiatives, and platforms such as the Female Students Network Trust, all aimed at empowering women academically, socially, and economically.
Stakeholders also called for increased support for women entrepreneurs, stronger mentorship networks, and the active engagement of men as allies in promoting gender equality.
The Student Representative Council President, Miss K. Mutangabende shared her experiences:
“Being part of MSU has opened doors for me as a young woman. The mentorship programmes and support systems give us the confidence to pursue leadership roles we once thought were out of reach.”
As Zimbabwe continues to pursue its development agenda under National Development Strategy 2, issues affecting women remain central.
These frameworks prioritise gender equality, economic empowerment, and inclusive participation as key drivers of national growth.
Addressing these concerns is essential in achieving the national vision of leaving no one and no place behind.
The MSU commemorations served not only as a celebration but also as a reminder that achieving women’s inclusion requires sustained action, institutional commitment, and alignment with national development goals.