Excellency’s, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe, I am honoured to deliver these solidarity remarks at this important High-Level Meeting. We commemorate 30 years since the landmark International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo. This anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), women's empowerment, and gender equality as cornerstones of sustainable development.
Zimbabwe's Progress
I want to particularly commend the Government of Zimbabwe for its progress in implementing the ICPD Programme of Action. The impressive reduction in maternal and child mortality, over the past decade, is a testament to their commitment. We acknowledge the Government of Zimbabwe's domestic investments in procuring contraceptives, leading to one of the highest modern contraceptive prevalence rates in Africa! This, along with the training of health workers in youth-friendly services, demonstrates Zimbabwe's dedication to empowering women and girls.
EU's Contribution
The European Union, has been a proud partner in this journey over the past decade. Together with partners like UNFPA, the EU is proud to have contributed to Zimbabwe's sexual and reproductive health rights and gender equality endeavours, notably with the Health Development Fund ( 2016-2021) and the Health Resilience Fund (HRF 2022-2025) - multi-donor health programs aimed at improving primary healthcare and essential health services. With contributions from the EU, UK, Sweden, and Ireland, and in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, the HDF played a crucial role in reducing maternal and child mortality rates, enhancing access to SRHR services, including access to contraceptives and critical lifesaving equipment and empowering women and girls. We have also supported training for health workers on youth-friendly services to address the needs of young people. The support is continuing under the current HRF (2022-2025)
The EU recognizes the central role of gender equality in achieving SRHR for all. We applaud the mainstreaming of gender in the HRF implementation, ensuring women and girls are effectively represented in health governance, and their specific needs are addressed. Under HRF, there have been numerous achievements (to many for me to mention in this short time!) that have been won through the hard work, commitment and joint efforts of the colleagues here today.
Team Europe
But our efforts do not end there. Through the Team Europe approach, comprising the EU, its member states, Member State agencies and our European Investment Bank, we strive to enhance coordination and coherence in our actions to maximize impact. Team Europe, together with Switzerland has invested 251 MEUR in our Team Europe Initiative on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment between 2021-2024. Our commitment is tangible, with at least 85% of all new programs slated to prioritize gender equality and women's empowerment by 2025.
The EU's support extends to initiatives like the Global Fund to Fight HIV, TB, and Malaria, where Zimbabwe has received substantial funding ($504.7 M) to combat these diseases and eliminate stigma and discrimination. Zimbabwe has made real progress in the fight to end these diseases, and through our support to the Global Fund, the EU is proud to stand by Zimbabwe in its fight against HIV/AIDS- a disease disproportionately affecting women and girls.
Challenges Remain
While we celebrate our achievements, we acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. The health sector faces underfunding and a workforce crisis. Gender inequalities still hinder access to SRHR services for some women and girls.
The fact remains, SRHR and gender equality remain an ongoing journey—one that requires unwavering commitment and collaboration.
Let us use this occasion to reflect on our successes, celebrate our victories, and devise strategies to address these challenges, together.
The EU reaffirms its commitment to supporting Zimbabwe and its people along this journey, through ongoing and future assistance, working hand in hand, to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Together, we can overcome the remaining obstacles and ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of inclusive development and gender equality.
Thank you.
