Midlands State University Gender Institute in partnership with the Women of Africa Zimbabwe (WOAZ) celebrated International Women’s Day amid games, music and educational presentations at a function held on the 8th of March 2022 at the University’s main campus in Gweru.
The event ran under the theme; ‘Climate Change, Gender Equality Today, For A Sustainable Tomorrow’.
This year’s theme encourages women to work towards breaking the bias today and beyond and imagine a gender-equal world free of stereotypes and discrimination towards women.
In her welcome remarks, Executive Dean in the Faculty of Education, Professor Efiritha Chauraya said that the promotion of gender equality helps communities appreciate that people across the gender divide can be productive and achieve greatness.
Professor Chauraya added that the inclusion of men in gender discourses is important in achieving sustainable solutions to gender issues affecting modern societies.“The inclusion of man is important because when a woman works, she works fast but when a woman works with a man, she reaches far,” said Professor Chauraya.
MSU Gender Institute Executive Director Professor Irene Muzvidziwa highlighted that if gender equality is understood now then communities have a prospect of a better tomorrow.“Women’s empowerment drives better development outcomes and when women are empowered, children flourish. Gender equality today is vital for a sustainable tomorrow.”
The climate crisis and gender equality are two core issues at the heart of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.
Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor Professor Hazel T. Ngoshi told the gathering that MSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Victor Muzvidziwa is a gender champion who always pushes for women to take up greater responsibility in the University structure.
She also added that milestone achievements of women in academia and other sectors should be celebrated.
“If you want to understand our Vice Chancellor’s take on gender equity and equality, just look at the number of women that have made it to senior positions in the University. He (MSUVice-Chancellor Professor V Muzvidziwa) always encourages women to break the glass ceiling,” she said, emphasising the University’s gender parity policy as encapsulated in the vision of its team leader.
Various delegates made presentations, raising awareness on gender equality as well as recognising, honouring and celebrating the achievements of women.
Locadia Mavhudzi of Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe Midlands Chapter, Nozipho Ropafadzo Rutsate of She Awakens Movement, Sharon Stella Musonza the National Coordinator of the Women Of Africa Zimbabwe, Rachel Kufirwa Midlands Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) Coordinator and Titus Mangoma II National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) Midlands Coordinator are some of the delegates that made presentations during the funfilled International Women’s Day commemorations.
Taona Tiakudze, an MSU student in the Music Business, Musicology and Technology department provided entertainment during musical interludes.
International Women’s Day is about the inclusivity of women from diverse social and economic backgrounds, religions, and women with a range of physical abilities.
The celebrations were graced by various delegates among them, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Academic Affairs Professor Alois Solomon Chiromo, Executive Dean of Science and Technology Dr Action Nechibvute, Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor Professor Hazel T. Ngoshi, Director of Marketing and Public Relations Mirirai Mawere, members of MSU Gender Institute, and members from other departments of the university community.