By Staff Reporter
ZIMBABWE has recorded higher scores than global averages on the Women’s Economic Freedom (WEF) index indicating the positive impact of empowerment policies enacted over the past decades.
The landmark report was published by the US based think tank ,Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Center at an event co-organised by Mrs Joanna Sharpe and WestProp Holdings Limited.
Titled, ‘How Zimbabwe can achieve its vision of prosperity’ the study says Zimbabwe’s 2023 WEF score stands at 86,9 out of 100 ranking it 56th out of 164 countries globally and 5thb out of 46 countries in Sub Saharan Africa.
“Zimbabwe’s WEF score has historically exceeded global and regional averages from 1995 to 2023, yet its score has not seen improvement since 2008. Efforts to legally promote women’s economic empowerment are notable.
“For instance the 2023 Amendment to Zimbabwe’s Labour Act comprehensively prevents gender discrimination or sexual harassment the workplace, while also mandating 14 weeks of fully paid maternal leave to all female workers, removing a requirement that employees needed to work for a full year before qualifying,” the study said.
Moreover, the study said , legal provisions like in the 2007 Domestic Violence Act, the 1873 Deceased Estates Succession Act and its subsequent amendments and the Passport Application Form ensures protection against domestic violence, gender discrimination in ownership of property and freedom of movement restrictions.
“These trends are highly encouraging in the realm of promoting gender equality in Zimbabwe’s legal framework,” the report added.
