In a collective effort to advance gender equality in healthcare, the Health Service Commission (HSC) partnered with the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) and other key stakeholders to commemorate International Women’s Day. The event served as a platform to discuss challenges, celebrate achievements, and advocate for increased investment in women’s health and leadership within the sector.
Dr. Christopher Pasi, Secretary of the Health Service Commission (HSC), set the tone for the commemoration, emphasizing the commission’s dedication to gender equality in healthcare.
“The Health Service Commission remains dedicated to creating an enabling environment where women in healthcare can thrive, not just as caregivers but also as leaders and innovators,” Dr. Pasi said.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) and various stakeholders, underscored the need for gender-sensitive policies and celebrated the contributions of women in the health sector.
Themed ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, the commemoration brought together key voices advocating for improved health services and gender equity. Edna Masiiwa, Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe Health Cluster, emphasized the importance of creating a gender-sensitive health system.
“We must continue to push for policies that ensure women have access to quality healthcare, leadership roles in the sector, and protection against gender-based violence,” Masiiwa stated.
The CEO of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, Virginia Muwanigwa, echoed these sentiments, calling for increased investment in women’s health and empowerment. She highlighted the need for structural reforms that promote gender inclusivity in decision-making processes within the health sector.
Adding an academic perspective, Professor Rudo Makunike-Mutasa from the University of Zimbabwe spoke about the intersection of education and health service delivery. She underscored the importance of integrating gender-responsive training in medical and health sciences curricula to ensure future professionals are equipped to handle gender-specific health challenges.
The event concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to continue advocating for women’s rights in healthcare and beyond. With partnerships such as these, Zimbabwe moves closer to achieving gender equality and strengthening its healthcare system for all.