Gender Links Zimbabwe

01/10/2026

Over 1,200 Jobs Created
Between 2022 and 2025, the Promoting Gender Inclusive Local Economic Development programme helped create 1,254 jobs across 12 councils, with 66% of those opportunities going to women.
Every job represents a family supported, a child educated, and a household made more resilient. Many thanks go to the Embassy of Sweden in Harare for their support, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for enabling the work with local authorities and the 12 local authorities for creating opportunities for their communities.
The City Of Mutare The City of Bulawayo Zibagwe R.D.C Municipality of Kariba Official Masvingo City Makoni RDC Norton TC

01/10/2026

A National Policy Born from Local Success

What started in 12 councils with the Promoting Gender Inclusive Local Economic Development programme which ran from 2022-2025 supported by the the Embassy of Sweden in Harare has become national policy.

In August 2025, the Ministry of Local Government issued a directive requiring all 92 councils in Zimbabwe to allocate at least 10% of their budgets to Local Economic Development with dedicated support for women, youth and vulnerable groups.

This means inclusive economic development is now part of local governance across the country.
Embassy of Sweden in Harare Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev.

30/09/2026

Three years ago, many women, youth and men entrepreneurs were struggling to survive on less than USD50 per month. Today, thousands are running stronger businesses and earning more thanks to support from the Embassy of Sweden in Harare. Through the Gender Inclusive Local Economic Development programme, average monthly business income increased by 87%, from USD152 to USD284.

Women and communities are proving that when given access to training, markets, and opportunities, they do not just improve their own lives, they uplift entire communities.
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. Municipality of Beitbridge The City Of Mutare The City of Bulawayo Municipality of Kariba Official Zibagwe R.D.C Makoni RDC Masvingo City Murewa Rural District Council

19/08/2026

📢 The 2026 Gender and Media Progress Study is out!

What does the latest evidence tell us about gender in Southern African news?

Based on monitoring of 2,000+ news stories across more than 200 media outlets in all 16 SADC countries, the 2026 GMPS found:

🔹 Women made up just 29% of news sources.

🔹Women less visible as experts and spokespersons.

🔹Nearly 6 in 10 stories are gender blind.

There are signs of progress - but significant gaps remain.

📊 Explore the regional and country findings:
https://bit.ly/4wPNI0o


MISA Zimbabwe Women's Coalition of Zimbabwe Embassy of Sweden in Harare Diakonia UN Women Gender & Media Connect The Herald-Zimbabwe Tapiwa Alvin Zvaraya Hivos Regional Office Southern Africa

Gender Links is a Southern African NGO promoting gender equality, women's empowerment and justice through advocacy, training, and community action.

26/11/2025

"The Zimbabwe 2025 SADC Protocol@Work Summit theme 'Taking stock of Gender Responsive Budgeting and Economic Development Initiatives in Zimbabwe' has challenged us to evaluate the gains made" - Hon. Benjamin Kabikira Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. SUPPORTED BY: Embassy of Sweden in Harare

26/11/2025

"I commend Gender Links and Embassy of Sweden in Harare
for the work that they are doing in promoting GRB and local economic development. Lives are being touched" Engineer Muguti, Secretary for Presidential Affairs & Devolution Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. Embassy of Sweden in Harare

26/11/2025

Happening Now: Gender Links
is hosting the 2025 SADC Protocol@Work Summit: Taking Stock of Gender Responsive Budgeting and Economic Development Initiatives in Zimbabwe. Embassy of Sweden in Harare
Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. Ministry of Local Government and Public Works

26/11/2025

Zimbabwe 2025 SADC Protocol@Work Summit and Awards in progress. We are taking stock of Gender Responsive Budgeting and Economic Development Initiatives in Zimbabwe. Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Zimbabwe
SUPPORTED BY: Embassy of Sweden in Harare