4. Chapter 2: National Objectives 4.1 Chapter 2 sets out the objectives that should guide all institutions and agencies of the State and Government at all levels, in taking and implementing policy decisions that will lead to the establishment and promotion of a just, free and democratic society in which people can enjoy prosperous and fulfilled lives. 4.2 Clause 2.9 places on the State the obligation to ensure gender balance in Zimbabwean society, including; promote full participation of women on the basis of equality with men; take measures to ensure women are equally represented in all institutions and agencies of the State including Constitutional Commissions and other governmental bodies; take steps to ensure women have access to resources, including land, on a basis of equality with men; and take positive measures to rectify past gender discrimination. 4.3 The provisions of clause 2.9 are progressive and welcome but it should be noted that the provisions of Chapter 3 are not justiciable and their fulfilment depends largely on political will, resources and the commitment of the State to live up to the values of the Constitution. 4.4 Clause 2.11 provides for national directives in the treatment of children. This clause provides that policies and measures relating to children must promote the best interest of the child. The clause also provides that government policy and programs should aim to ensure children receive family care, shelter, basic nutrition, health and social services, and are protected from abuse and exploitation, in particular in the workplace. Clause 2.12 provides for government commitment to ensure that youth have access to education and training, opportunities for employment, recreation, protection from exploitation and opportunity to be represented in the polticial , social and economic sphere of life. 4.5 Clauses 2.11 and 2.12 provide important guidelines for programs promoting the wellbeing of children and youth. However, girls face special challenges in accessing education and employment and are more vulnerable to exploitation than boys. These clauses would be more effective if they noted that, in certain situations, programs for girls and for boys must be tailored for specific needs and address different barriers experienced by the different genders. 4.6 Clause 2.13 provides for national directives on the treatment of elderly persons including the provision of faciltiies, food, care and programmes to improve their quality of life and productivity. Again, the challenges faced by elderly women, who were likely to have been dependant on their husbands economically. The clause would be more effective if it noted the particular needs of elderly women. 4.7 Clause 2.16 provides for national directives in the area of work and labour relations. Clause 2.16(2)(d) is of particular interest to women as it directs government to ensure implementation of measures such as family care that enable women to enjoy a real opportunity to work. 5|Page