News / National
Zimbabwean activist shortlisted for top UN post
17 May 2013 at 03:26hrs | Views
Prominent Zimbabwe human rights lawyer and women and children's activist, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, is reported to be among six women nominated for the position of Executive Director of UN Women.
The position is vacant after former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet resigned recently to stand for re-election in her country's presidential polls.
At present Gumbonzvanda is the general secretary of the World Young Women's Christian Association, a leading international network of women that advocates for peace, justice, human rights worldwide.
Gumbonzvanda told SW Radio Africa on Thursday that she is humbled and honoured to be a candidate for UN Women.
UN Women is an organisation that was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 to advance the empowerment of women and gender equality, and also to support efforts of governments in partnering with civil society organizations.
If given the chance Gumbonzvanda said she hopes to continue to support the efforts of governments to deliver on their commitments for gender equality and protecting the rights of women.
"UN Women is also a knowledge base facilitator and adviser within the United Nations system itself, and within this role the Executive Director has to lead a team that develops relationships and mobilises resources to address the issue of women," said the World YWCA General Secretary.
Gumbonzvanda is facing stiff competition from a selection of women that is said to include Kim Campbell, the former and first female Prime Minister of Canada, Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland and Rebeca Grynspan the former Vice President of Costa Rica .
"I recognise my colleagues and respect my colleagues who have put in their own candidature because it means the world has a number of women who are competent, capable and committed to advancing the rights of women," said Gumbonzvanda .
She said issues of economic and social rights and violence against women will be important for her if she is appointed to this top UN position. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is expected to announce the appointment in coming weeks.
The position is vacant after former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet resigned recently to stand for re-election in her country's presidential polls.
At present Gumbonzvanda is the general secretary of the World Young Women's Christian Association, a leading international network of women that advocates for peace, justice, human rights worldwide.
Gumbonzvanda told SW Radio Africa on Thursday that she is humbled and honoured to be a candidate for UN Women.
UN Women is an organisation that was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 to advance the empowerment of women and gender equality, and also to support efforts of governments in partnering with civil society organizations.
"UN Women is also a knowledge base facilitator and adviser within the United Nations system itself, and within this role the Executive Director has to lead a team that develops relationships and mobilises resources to address the issue of women," said the World YWCA General Secretary.
Gumbonzvanda is facing stiff competition from a selection of women that is said to include Kim Campbell, the former and first female Prime Minister of Canada, Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland and Rebeca Grynspan the former Vice President of Costa Rica .
"I recognise my colleagues and respect my colleagues who have put in their own candidature because it means the world has a number of women who are competent, capable and committed to advancing the rights of women," said Gumbonzvanda .
She said issues of economic and social rights and violence against women will be important for her if she is appointed to this top UN position. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is expected to announce the appointment in coming weeks.
Source - news
