Government has underscored the need to increase women’s participation and leadership in science, technology and innovation, describing it as essential for inclusive and sustainable development.
Higher and Tertiary Education minister Fredrick Shava, in a speech read on his behalf by deputy minister Simelisizwe Sibande at the Women in Science, Technology and Innovation Conference in Harare yesterday, said Zimbabwe cannot afford to exclude women from the country’s development trajectory.
“As we advance towards Vision 2030, Zimbabwe cannot afford to leave women, who constitute the majority of our human capital, behind,” he said.
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“Ensuring their participation in science is a matter of national competitiveness and economic transformation.”
Statistics highlight a persistent gender gap. According to UNICEF, only 19% of female students in Zimbabwe graduate in STEM fields compared to 39% of males, with women accounting for just 28.79% of STEM degrees.
In response, the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund has set aside 130 scholarships targeting female students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The conference is focusing on practical interventions, including innovation pitch sessions, mentorship programmes and grant-writing workshops aimed at strengthening women’s capacity to participate in science and innovation ecosystems.
Shava also reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, including the rollout of modern science laboratories in schools across all ten provinces, to ensure girls have access to the tools required to pursue scientific careers.
Meanwhile, Zanu PF Secretary for Women’s Affairs and Senate President Mabel Chinomona called for stronger community and civil society engagement in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She commended ongoing efforts to tackle gender-based violence, child marriages and drug abuse, describing them as key barriers to women’s economic participation.
“While laws and policies are essential, real transformation happens when communities challenge practices that disadvantage women and girls,” Chinomona said.
“Culture must be harnessed to promote respect for women’s rights and support inclusive growth.”
She emphasised that empowering women is a shared responsibility.
“Communities have the power to reshape social norms and build a more just and equitable society,” she said.
Chinomona also urged traditional leaders and local organisations to confront harmful cultural practices while promoting positive values that strengthen social cohesion and advance women’s empowerment. -newsda
