Section 17: Gender balance
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) The State must promote full gender balance in Zimbabwean society, and in particular—
(a) the State must promote the full participation of women in all spheres of Zimbabwean
society on the basis of equality with men;
(b) the State must take all measures, including legislative measures, needed to ensure
that—
(i) both genders are equally represented in all institutions and agencies of
government at every level; and
(ii) women constitute at least half the membership of all Commissions and other
elective and appointed governmental bodies established by or under this
Constitution or any Act of Parliament;
and
(c) the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must take
practical measures to ensure that women have access to resources, including land, on
the basis of equality with men.
(2) The State must take positive measures to rectify gender discrimination and imbalances resulting from past practices and policies.
Key Insight: Beyond Equality to Equity
This constitutional provision goes beyond merely stating gender equality as a principle - it mandates specific actions and quotas to address historical imbalances. It recognizes that formal equality isn't enough; structural changes in representation and resource access are necessary. The clause is notable for requiring not just equal opportunity but equal outcomes (at least 50% representation) and acknowledges that corrective measures are needed to overcome historical disadvantages.