Letwin Mubonesi
Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has applauded the efforts by the country’s largest and only listed media group, Zimpapers as it exercises the 50:50 rule in its board appointment. The new Zimpapers board head by Mr Tommy Ganda Sithole consists of 11 members and 6 of them are women.
Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) which is the largest national membership based network of women’s rights activists and women’s organizations congratulated the group for its sterling efforts in reaching gender equality.
In a press statement, WCoZsaid that it has been impressed by the development which is in line with its mandate of promoting gender equality and pursuing a Zimbabwe in which women and girls fully enjoy their rights and are encouraged by this show of commitment in honouring the obligations of Section 56 of the Constitution.
“The Zimpapers Group has exhibited the highest level of recognition of the supreme law of the land becoming the first media house to fully implement Section 56, sub-section (2) of the Constitution, which states that “Women and men have the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres,” reads part of the Press Release.
Since 1999, WCo has envisioned a Zimbabwean society where women and girls fully enjoy all their rights through various initiatives to achieve gender equality and equity.
Of note is how the WCoZ managed to bring all stakeholders and women from all political parties in the G20 during the constitution making process to push for gender equality, and Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution is recognised as one of the most gendered constitution in the world. What remains is the commitment by government and all stakeholders to commit to implementation and reach gender equality.
Nevertheless, the civil society urged other institutions to take a leaf from Zimpapers Group to recognise women in their organisations as their participation in leadership and decision-making processes at all levels is fundamental to the achievement of democracy, good governance and economic empowerment in all sectors.
“ WCoZ believes in the full participation of women and girls in leadership and calls upon the Government of Zimbabwe, civil society organisations and the business community to ensure gender equality in leadership in compliance to the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe remains committed to advocating for a society where women and girls fully enjoy their rights.”
Zimpapers company secretary Mrs Daphine Tomana confirmed the new 11-member Board led by Mr Sithole who replaces Mr Delma Lupepe.
“We would like to announce the appointment, with immediate effect, of Mr Tommy Ganda Sithole as the new Zimbabwe Newspapers Group board chairperson. His coming on board also saw the appointment of six other members, drawn from various fields, Ms Primrose Ruvarashe Kurasha, Mrs Sibyl Madzikanda, Ms Tsungai Chibvongodze, Messrs Tatenda Chiweshe, Ladson Mhango and Dr Shingi Munyeza.
“Ms Rejoice Nharaunda and Karen Dube who have been on the previous board since February 2014 and Mr Pikirayi Deketeke (group chief executive) as well as Mr Farai Matanhire (chief finance officer) who also sat as executive directors since September 2015 will continue with the new members.”
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