5.2. Gender and Economic Empowerment Recognising that gender disparities not only disadvantage women but also reduce growth potential of a nation as whole, Zimbabwe is committed to economic empowerment that is equitable, where both men and women participate and benefit. Yet institutional and legal barriers continue to hamper the ability of both men and women, to formalise and grow their businesses, create jobs and enhance productivity and women continue to be more constrained in these efforts. This policy therefore prescribes objectives and strategies to address these barriers to achieve economic empowerment equity and hence national growth. As provided in the constitution, and without prejudice, this policy proposes affirmative action measures to address economic empowerment imbalances in areas where sharp equity disparities exist. Policy Objective: To promote equality and equity in access to economic opportunities for men and women, and to the benefits from the economic development of the country. Policy Strategies i. Support gender sensitive economic policy planning and budgeting. ii. Support initiatives to promote equal access to entrepreneurial opportunities and equity in ownership of business in the key economic sectors. iii. Develop and support affirmative action initiatives that enhance business skills and competences and access to finance, land, other productive resources and technologies. iv. Institute mechanisms to advance equal representation in key economic decision making positions in all sectors including equal representation in community trusts and other grassroots structures. v. Set up or support the development of appropriate micro and macro level institutional mechanisms including networks for women to effectively receive entrepreneurship support. vi. Advocate for equity in formal employment and remuneration and mechanisms that increase opportunities for employment for the female employable population. vii. Support efforts to transform informal livelihood income generation into viable economic activities and broaden agro-entrepreneurship in disadvantaged rural, resettlement and urban areas. viii. Support efforts to improve the performance and growth of Small to Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) for both men and women and put in place mechanisms to particularly support young women in trade and entrepreneurship. ix. Develop and implementation a framework to monitor gender disparities in key economic empowerment indicators including gender sensitive tools for poverty surveys 14