Empowering Women, Strengthening the Union
Women are the backbone of Zimbabwe’s workforce and a driving force in ZIBAWU. Our Women Empowerment Programs promote gender equity, combat workplace harassment, and develop women leaders who champion change.
Women Advisory Council (WAC) Overview
The Women Advisory Council is ZIBAWU’s dedicated structure for advancing women’s issues:
- Leadership Platform: Provides women with decision-making roles in the union
- Policy Advocacy: Champions gender-responsive policies in workplaces
- Member Support: Addresses concerns specific to women workers
- Representation: Ensures women's voices are heard in all union activities
- Solidarity Building: Creates networks of support among women members
- Capacity Development: Trains and mentors emerging women leaders
Gender Equity Initiatives
ZIBAWU fights for gender equality through:
Equal Pay Campaigns
- Advocating for pay equity across all levels
- Challenging discriminatory salary structures
- Monitoring compliance with equal pay provisions
Career Advancement Support
- Challenging glass ceiling barriers
- Supporting women's promotions and professional development
- Advocating for transparent promotion criteria
Work-Life Balance
- Negotiating flexible work arrangements
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave provisions
- Childcare support and family-friendly policies
Sexual Harassment Prevention Campaigns
ZIBAWU takes a zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment:
Awareness Campaigns:
Educating workers on what constitutes harassment
Policy Development:
Working with employers to implement strong anti-harassment policies
Reporting Mechanisms:
Establishing safe channels for reporting incidents
Support Services:
Providing counseling and legal support to survivors
Accountability:
Ensuring perpetrators face consequences
Workplace Culture Change:
Promoting respectful work environments
Gender-Based Violence Campaigns
Addressing violence against women in and beyond the workplace:
- 16 Days of Activism: Annual campaigns against gender-based violence
- Education Programs: Training on recognizing and preventing GBV
- Support Networks: Connecting survivors with resources and assistance
- Legal Support: Helping members access justice for GBV cases
- Workplace Policies: Advocating for domestic violence leave and support
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with women's rights organizations
Women's Conferences
Regular gatherings that bring women members together:
- Annual Women's Conference: National gathering for strategy and solidarity
- Regional Women's Forums: Local platforms for sharing experiences
- Skills Development Workshops: Training sessions on leadership and advocacy
- Networking Opportunities: Building connections across sectors and regions
- Policy Development: Collective input on union priorities for women
- Celebration of Achievements: Recognizing women leaders and victories
Mentorship Programs
Developing women leaders through guided support:
Pairing experienced women leaders with emerging activists
One-on-one guidance on union participation and leadership
Career development and professional growth support
Building confidence in public speaking and advocacy
Navigating workplace challenges and discrimination
Creating a pipeline of women ready for leadership roles
Increased Representation Achievements
ZIBAWU’s commitment to women’s leadership has delivered results:
- 40% Women Representation: Achieved in union leadership structures
- Women in Executive Roles: Multiple women in top union positions
- Shop Steward Balance: Growing number of women workplace representatives
- National Visibility: Women leaders representing ZIBAWU at regional forums
- Policy Wins: Gender-responsive provisions in collective agreements
- Cultural Shift: Changing perceptions about women's leadership capacity
How to Get Involved
Women members can participate by:
Join the Women Advisory Council
Contact your branch to connect with the local WAC structure.
Attend Women’s Events
Participate in conferences, workshops, and awareness campaigns.
Become a Mentor or Mentee
Share your experience or learn from established women leaders.
Raise Gender Issues
Bring workplace gender concerns to your shop steward or WAC representative.
Lead Campaigns
Champion initiatives on harassment prevention, equity, or empowerment.
Support for Women Facing Challenges
ZIBAWU provides specialized support for women experiencing:
Discrimination or harassment in the workplace
Denial of maternity rights or benefits
Unequal pay or blocked promotions
Gender-based violence or abuse
Work-life balance challenges
Contact the Women Advisory Council or your shop steward for confidential assistance.
Women workers, your voice matters. Join ZIBAWU's fight for gender equity.
Get involved in women empowerment programs today.