The official opening of the Annual Gender week at Africa University was held on the 11th October 2005. Among the invited guests were the Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs,Gender and Community Development, Honorable A. Damasane, Regis Mututu from PADARE, Edina Masanga from the Federation of African Media Women in Zimbabwe, Junior Muwanikwa from the Women’s Resource Centre and Network, Shamiso Mupure a journalist and a representative form CIDA.

There were sporting activities, exhibitions and presentations during the week as a reminder of the importance of Gender Equity. Different people shared their experiences, among these were Mrs Kagrabadza, The Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Mphuru and Professor Quarshie. Matches in volleyball, basketball, netball and soccer were played against Mutare Teachers College and Africa University Staff. Africa University was charged with imbalances in gender, collaboration and participative contribution and this led to the draft of a Gender Policy. The draft of the Africa University Gender Policy was submitted to the Vice Chancellor, Professor R. Murapa, during the official opening day. Professor R. Murapa will present the draft of the Gender Policy to the Board of Directors for approval and amendments.

The University has been sensitive to gender equity in terms of employment as it was said by the Vice Chancellor that, the University employed a female driver, male nurse, a female Sports Assistant Director. In addition two female deans and two female Directors were appointed.

The keynote speaker at the official opening of the Annual Gender week, Honorable A. Damanase being an educationist, political activists, librarian, musician and artistic designer highlighted quite a number of issues which cannot be separated from gender. These are involvement of government, colleges and universities, student leadership and stakeholders. During her speech Honorable Damanase said “Gentlemen give us space, but do not leave us alone”. This statement clarified the misunderstood “Gender Equity” as many people think it is more of an empowering tool to females than men. She expressed that gender mainstreaming can be fruitless if there is no support from men.

The presenters from different organizations outlined various prospects and challenges in mainstreaming gender. From the presentations emphasis was made on dissemination of information and raising awareness. Hunger and poverty, privatization, cultural factors, were mentioned as the major influence on the girl child dropping out of school. This was said basing on education having a bearing on vulnerable situation for questioning and understanding of gender. Hence the need for everyone to be educated. It was appreciated that women are now represented in decision making. Examples sited are the current SRC president at Africa University - a female (Dadirai Mlambo), The Vice President of Zimbabwe (Cde. Joyce Mujuru) and female representation in Parliament. One presenter sited that it is not only women who are victims of gender, but men as well. Therefore, there is need to build capacity in programs for awareness, identification of key stake holders, community-based groups to build agencies for networking.

Entertainment during this week was provided by the Africa University Choir which composed a Gender Song, Tswai Tswai Group and Praise The Lord choir.