ZIMBABWE GENDER COMMISSION BILL, 2014.
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
This Bill seeks to establish a Gender Commission as provided for in section 245 of the
Constitution of Zimbabwe which creates an independent institution called the Zimbabwe Gender
Commission. It also seeks to fulfil international and regional instruments that Zimbabwe is a
party to, namely the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination
of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration and platform
for Action
It also seeks to provide for the hosting of aGender Forum annually to create a platform where
gender issues can be discussed.
The individual clausesof the Bill are explained below:
Clause 1
This clause sets out the short title of the Bill.
Clause 2
This Clause provides for certain definitions of terms used in the Bill. Of particular note is the
definition of “systemic barrier prejudicial to women’s equality”, which is one of the functions of
the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, to investigate and make recommendations on, with a view to
eliminating or alleviating any such barrier.
Clause 3
This clause provides for the establishment and composition of the Zimbabwe Gender
commission.
Clauses 4, 5 and 6
These clauses provide for thefunctions and powers of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission,
namely investigative functions, as well as the manner of conduct to be taken during the fulfilment
of conducting its investigative functions.
Clause 7
This clause provides for the report to be made to the Minister at the conclusion of the
investigative inquiry by the Commission, whereby it will incorporate its findings and
recommendations.
Clause 8
This clause provides for the convening of the Gender Forum annually, to which civil society
organisations and other interested persons will be invited to discuss topics of concern to women
in accordance with an agenda set by the council in consultation with such organisations. The
conclusion of the Forum will be embodied in written resolutions for presentation to the