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

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