a) Gender and Women
Over the last decade, the NRM Government has adopted and commenced the vigorous implementation of a national gender policy, outlining strategies and interventions for the empowerment of women. This has involved strengthening the legal framework, initiating legislation on domestic relations, sexual offences, and employment.
This has been in clear recognition of the fact that gender equality and equity are core values of NRM, as well as being key determinants of sustainable economic growth and development.
The national gender policy has been highly successful for example:
- through the affirmative action policy, the number of women in decision-making positions has grown;
- National machinery now oversees gender mainstreaming and the advancement of women;
- violations against women and children are now dealt with under the Penal Code Act;
- with respect to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, particular attention has been given to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.