Women’s Summit Held in Bulawayo Highlights Ongoing Challenges and Progress

23 July 2025

By Andile Vundla

The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) yesterday hosted the 2025 Women’s Summit in Bulawayo, bringing together women’s rights organisations, activists, and leaders from across the country.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Data of Women Report 2025, which provides a detailed look at both the progress made and the challenges still facing women in Zimbabwe. The report covers sectors such as health, education, governance, mining, and climate resilience.

WCoZ Chairperson Muchanyara Cynthia Mukamuri said the summit comes at a critical time, as many women continue to face inequality, limited access to resources, and lack of representation.

“We want collective action and continuous dialogue to advance women’s rights and gender equality. Women still carry the burden of inequality and under-representation across sectors,” Mukamuri said.

Representing the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, District Development Officer Clayton Mharadzano, through a speech delivered by Sibongile Khumalo, said women in Zimbabwe still face significant barriers, including gender-based violence, poor access to education, and economic exclusion.

“These challenges limit women’s ability to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Khumalo said.

The summit aimed to build momentum toward stronger collaboration and policy action to address issues affecting women across the country.