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Statement on the occasion of International Women's Day
Students Solidarity Trust
March 09, 2011

In 1975, the United Nations celebrated its first International Women's Day. Around the world, March 8 is now recognised as International Women's Day, a day women celebrate their economic, political and social achievements. Invariably, since this is a global event, Zimbabwe also celebrates the day with pomp and fanfare. However, there will be very little for female students to celebrate at this event as has been the case for several years now.

The Government of Zimbabwe has committed to providing quality education for all through its signing of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and ratification of The Africa Charter on Human and People's Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). However, analysis has shown that the education curriculum has not significantly changed since the 1980's; hence it does not adequately address issues related to gender equality in the education sector. Despite the introduction of affirmative action in the 1990's, female students still find it hard to be accepted in some disciplines. Stigma is still attached to women engineers and other natural sciences as they are perceived to be stronger in humanities. The introduction of affirmative action did not also trickle down to the male students on many campuses who still get away with abusing women wantonly. There is still a patriarchal culture pervasive on college campuses around the country and not much is being done to either halt this abusive culture or discipline those who actively violate college ordinances. Women's achievements are still referred to in a derisory and patronizing manner and this seriously affects students who end up not being able to pursue their dreams as very little protection is provided.

In a recent report published by the SST, sexual harassment continues to be rampant in institutions of higher learning with mail lecturers also getting into the act. It was found that retention of lecturers was more important than disciplining them and so they continue to be a menace to the female student. With very weak mechanisms to cushion those students brave enough to report, most abuses go unreported.

Noting that Zimbabwe is still recovering from a decade long economic melt-down, it is important for the government to recognize the need for safety nets for female students as they are affected in unique and peculiar ways. Sanitation continues to be a problem which requires serious attention as many students are in danger of contracting preventable cervical cancer due to use of poor quality substitute sanitary wear.

This year's commemorations should be a wake-up call to government to ensure that women's and female students' rights are higher up on their agenda. Efforts should be made to inculcate a sense of respect for female students by their male counterparts who up to now have made it virtually impossible for female student leaders to emerge. SRCs, where they exist resemble a war zone and prevent unconducive environments for emerging female student leadership. However, it should be noted that this is an epitome of the current political configuration which has trickled down even to college campuses.

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