Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act (No. 7/2015)

Cap. 10:31 Zmffiaewr GsuDER Cou*ussroN No. 7lztLs ZIMBABWE GEI{DER COMMISSION ACT ICHAFTEft I 0 :3 1l ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PARTI PtBlnmleny Section l. Short title. Z. Interpretation. PARTII ZnraeABwE GeNnsR CoNn ssslor,J 3. Zimbabwe Gender Commission i 4. Functions of Commission. PARTtrI Ii.nresrlcATrvE FtnrcrroN or Zndnes[E GeNDrn Co\,narssiobr 5. Investigative function of Commission. 6. Manner of conducting investigations. 7 . Report and recommendations to Minister after investigation. PART IV GBLurn Fomrur L GenderForum. 9. Conduct of GenderForum. PARTV ADrvm{srRATroN op Zrvmenwr GrNoeR CovnussroN 10. Appointment and functions of Chief Executiye Officer of Zimbabwe Gender Commission. 11 . Other staff of Commission. 12. Reports of Commission. PARTVI Fwarqcrar PnovrsroNs 13. Funds of Commission. 14. Accounts of Commission and appointment of internal auditor. 15. Audit of accounts. PARI YII Mrscr,u-eruous PnovrsroNs 16. Minister may give Commission directions in national interest. 17. Regulations. FrRsr Sosolr-r: Provisions Applicable to Commission. SEcoHn Scnsnr,'r-e: Ancillary powers of Commission. I4s Note from Veritas This Act was gazetted on 12th February 2016. DISTRIBUTED BY VERITAS e-mail: veritas@mango.zw; website: www.veritaszim.net Veritas makes every effort to ensure the provision of reliable information, but cannot take legal responsibility for information supplied. Cap. 10:31 Zilvmas we GsxDER Co*rnrussroN No. 7l20Ls ZTMBABWE ACT To provide for the establishment of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission to pgrform specified functions, including the investigation of and making of recommendations on the removal of barriers to the attainment of fuil gender equality; and to provide for matters connected with or incidentai to the foregoing. WHEREAS section 245 of the Constitution provides as follows: "245 Establishment and composition of zimbabwe Gender commission ( I ) There is a commission to be known as the Zimbabwe Gender Commission consisting of (ct) n chairperson appohted by the President after consultation with the Comtnittee on Standing Rules and Orders; and (h) eight other members, of wlnm (i) severx ore appointed by the Presidentfrom a list of notfewer tltan twelve nominees submittedby the Cammittee on Standing Rules and Orders; and ( ii) one is a nominee of the National Council of Chiefs , appointed by the President. (2) Members of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission must be chosen for their integrity and thzir knowledge and understanding af gender isstrcs in social,Tulru.ral, economic and political spheres, and the. genders must be eqaally represented on the Commission. 246 Functions of Zilnbabv,e Gender Commission Tlze Zimbabwe Gender Commission has thefollowing functions Printe,d bv the Governn,teft.t printer, Hara.re r47 No.7l28ls Zrueaervs GsxDER CovrnrussloN Cap. 10:31 (a) to manitar issues conceftring gender equality to ensure gender equality as provided in this Constitution; (b) to investigate possible violatiotts of rights relating to gender; (c) to receive and consider complaints from the public and to take such action in regtud to the complaints as it considers appropriate; (d) ta conduct research into issues relatittg to gender and social iustice, and to recomruend changes to laws and practices which lead tct discrimination based on gender; (e) to advise public and private institutiotcs on steps to be taken to ensure gender equality; (f) to recontmend affirmative action programmes to achieve gender equality; G) to recommend prosecutionfor criminal violations of rights relating to gender; ,.-i (h) to secute appropriate redress where rights relttting to gender have \-/ been violated; and (i) to do everything necessary ta promote gender equality. 247 Reports by Zimbabwe Gender Comrnissiort In addition to the report it is required to submit in terms of section 323, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission mtty, througlt. the appropriate Minister, submit reports to Parliament on particular matters relating to gender issues which, in thz Comtnission's opinion, should be brought to the attention of Parliament." . NOW-, THEREFORE, be it enacted by the Parliament and the President of Zimbabwe as follows: PARTI PngI-nn{ARY 1 Short title ThisAct may be cited as the Zimbabwe Gender CommissionAct fChapter 10:311. 2 lnterpretation (l) In this Act "annual feport" means the annual leport of the Commission refered to in section 12(1); "Commission" means the Zimbabwe Gender Commission established by section 245 of the Constitution; "Chief Executive Officer" means the Chief Executive Officer of tlie Commission appointed in terms of section 10; "gender" means the roles, duties and responsibilities which are cultrually or socially ascribed to women, men, girls and boys; "gender equality" means the equal enjoyment of rights and access to opportunities and outcomes, including resources, by women, men, girls and boys; "gender equity" meails the just and fair distribution of benefits, revvards and opportunities between wonreil, meir, girls and boys; 148 Cap" 10;31 ZwrsAB ws GTruDER Co,rnnsssroN No. 712015 "gender mainstreaming" means the process of identifying and resolving gender gaps, and making the conceurs and experiences of women, men, girls and boys integral to the design, implementation, nonitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes in all spheres so that they benefit equally; "systemic barrier prejudicial to gender equality, gender equity or gender mainstreaming" has the meaning given to that phrase in subsection (2); "Minister" means Minister of Women's Affairs, Gender and Community Development or any other Minister to whom the President may, from time to time, assign the administration of this Act; (2) In this Act, "systemic barrier prejudicial to gender equality, gender equity or gender mainstreaming" means any barrier, practice, custom, law or other impedi ment prejudicial to the achievement of gender equality, gender equity or gender main streaming, including equallty of opportunities and outcomes in the following spheres of activity or sectors of the society or economy (whose itemisation here is not to be taken as exhaustive or as limiting the generality of the foregoing) (a) accessing social services, including those relating to education, health and housing; accessing resources, including land, capital and finance; employment in andup\,vald mobilitl,'within tlre public, private and parastatal sectors and civil srciety organisations, including the pwision of conditions in the \,vorkplace conducive to the employment of both genders; (d) engagement in and upward mobility of members within the professions and occupations, including the provision of conditions conducive to the engagement of individuals of both genders in the professions and occupations; (l) in the sphere of family law (including rnarriage, divorce and custody and guardianship of minors), children's riglrts, succession and inheritance; G) any other sphere or activity specified by the Commission in pursuance of its constitutional mandate. PART II Zffr,{B ABwn Gexoen Cotufll,ilssloN Zimbabwe Gender Commission (l) The Zimbabwe Gender Commission shall be a body corporate capable of suing and being sued in its corporate name and, subject to this Act, of performing all acts that bodies co{porate may by law perform. (2) Subject to this Act, a member of the Commission shall hold office for such period, being not more than five yeam, and subject to such other terms and conditious, as the Minister shall fix on his or her appointment and shall be eligible for reappoint ment for not more than one term. (3) The President shall appoint (a) ons nnember as Chairperson from amongst the members of the Cornrnission, after consllltation l\,ith Committee on Standins Rules and Orders; (b) one rnember as Vice-Chaiqperson from arnongst the members of fhe Comrnissiott, tvho shall, sar/e \\/here the President otherrvise clirects, exercise the functions and powers and perform the duties of the (b) (c) 149 No. 7l2gl5 Ztive,{e ws GENDER CovrurssloN Cap. 10:31 Chairperson during any period that the Chairperson is unable to exercise his or her functions or the office of the Chairperson is vacant; Provided that the Vice-Chairperson shall be of a different eender from the Chairperson; (c) seven members from a list of not fewer than twelve nominees submitted by the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders; (d) one member nominated from the National Council of Chiefs referred to in section 245(l) of the Constitution. (4) The First Schedule applies to the qualifications of members of the Commission, their terms and conditions of offce, vacation of office, suspension and dismissal, and the procedure to be followed by the Commission at its nreetings. 4 Functions of Commission (1) In addition to the prcvision of section M6 of the Constitution, the functions of the Commission shall be (a) to conduct investigations in accordance with Part ltr; and (b) to convene and host the Gender Forum in accordance lvith Part IV; and (c) to do any other thing that the Commission n'ray be required or permitted to do by or under this Act or any other enactment. (2) The Second Schedule sets out the ancillary powers of the Commission. PARTIII hvwstlcam.'e Funclon or ZnrlseewE GelDsR Comossron 5 Investigative function of Commission Before launching an investigation the Commission shall publish a notice in the Gaz.ette and in any one or more national newspapers informing the public that, no earlier than fourteen days or later than thirty days after the publication of the notice in the Gazette, it intends to investigate any systemic barrier prejudicial tcl gender equality, gender equity or gender nrainstreaming in a specific named sphere of activity or named sector of the society or economy. 6 Manner of conducting investigations (1) Subject to subsection (6) (concerning non-disclosure of certain evidence) the Commission may in its discretion conduct an investigation in the form of a public or closed hearing, for which pulpose the Commission shall have the following powers person to attend before the Commission and or record relevant to any investigation by the (b) to put any questions to any person which the Commission considers will assist its investigation of the matter in question; and (c) to require any person questioned by it to answer such questions and to disclose any information within such person's knowledge which the Commission considers relevant to any investigation by it; and (d) to request the assistance of the police during an investigation. (2) In conducting a hearing the Commission shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence" and it may ascertain any relevant fact by any neans which it thinks fit and which is not unfair or unjust to any pafiy. (a) to issue sufilmons to any to produce any document Commission; and' 150 Cap. 10:31 Zrnqeae we GTuDER CounarssroF{ No.7l2*I5 i (3) The Corrmission shall afford any person who is alleged to be directly or indirectly responsible for perpetrating, implemetting, perpetuating or permitting the contimrance of any systemic barrier prejudiciai to gender equality, gender equity or gender mainstreaming, at least fourteen working days to respond to such allegation, calculated from the date wlren the Commission notifies him or her of the allesation in writing. (4) Any person appearing before the Commission may be represented by a legal practitioner. (5) Infomtation obtained by the Couunission or any member of its staff at a closed hearing shall not be disclosed to any person except (a) without disclosing the identity of any person who gave the information in confidence, for flre purposes of the investigation and for any report to be made thereon: or (b) for the purposes of any proceedings for perjury alleged to have been committed in the course of an investigation. (6) The Minister may, at any stage during an investigation by the Commission, produce to the Commission a certificate in writing signed by him orher to the effectthat the disclosure of any evidence or documentation or class of evidence or documentation specified in the certificate is, in his or lrer opinion, contrary to the public interest on the grounds that it may prejudice the defence, extemal relations, intemal security or econornic interests of the State, whereupon the Commission shall make arrangements for evidence relating to that matter to be heard in camera at a closed hearing and shall take such other action as may be necessary or expedient to prevent the disclosure of that evidence or documentation. (7) An aggrieved person may, in accordance with theAdrninistrative Justice Act lChapter 10:281(No. 24 of 2004), appeal against such certificate, and the court lrearing the apppeal shall treat any evidence or documentation subject to the certificate in the fiurnner specified in section I ("Discretion to refuse or to restrict supply of reasons") of the Administrative Justice Act {Chapter l0:2Bl (No. 24 of 2004). (8) Wltere the Commission reqeives a certificate under subsection (6), it may if it has already commenced an investigation as a pubiic hearing (a) convert the public hearing into a closed hearing; or (b) close its proceedings to the public for the purpose oftaking the evidence and documentation in question. (9) Any person who (a) has been summoned by the Commission to give evidence or to produce any documentation for the purposes of an investigation, and who fails to attend or to remain in attendance until excused by the Commission from further attendance, or refuses without sufficient cause, the onus ofproof whereof lies upon him or her, to be swom as a witness or to answer fuliy and satisfactorily a question lawfully put to him or her, or to produce the evidence or documentation requested; or (b) gives false evidence to the Commission, knowing such evidence to be false or not knowing or believing it to be tme; shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level six or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (10) Any member of the Commission or member of staff of the Commission who, rvithout being authorised to do so by the Commission, discloses any information, i5i No. 7 {2015 ZrMeae ws GeivDER ConanatssloN Cap. 10:31 evidence or documentation referred to in subsection (5) or (6), or makes any use of such information for his or her benefit, shall be grulty of an offence and liable to a flne not exceeding level twelve or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (11) Forthe avoidanceof doubtitis declaredthat the lawrelating to thecompetence or compellability of any pe$on on the grounds of privilege to give evidence, answer any questions or produce any book or docurnent before the Commission, shall app1y. 7 Report and recommendations to Minister after investigation If, after conducting an investigation, the Conrmission is of the opinion that the investigation has revealed any systemic barrier prejudicial to gender equality, gender equity or gender mainstreaming, it shall, after having informed the Minister in writing, report to Parliament on (a) the nature and extent of its investigation and its principal findings arising therefroml and (b) the nature, extent and consequeilces of the barrier or bamiers found by the Commission to be in existence; and (c) r+,hetfuerthe barrier or bar:riers in question are specifically attributable to any identifiable practice, custoffi, larn' or other impediment prejudicial to the achievelnent of gender equality, gender equity or gender mainstreaming or to the absence of any larv or to any deficiency in the lar,v; and (d) what legislative, administrative or other practical refotms, if an1', should be taken to reilIove or alleviate the barrier or barriers in question; and (e) whether a class action under the Class Actions Act lChapter 8:]71 (i'{o. 10 of 1999) or a prosecution for the breach of an1'law, or a reference or cornplaint to the Zinrbabwe Human Rights Commission or other immediate legal action is appropriate; and. (0 an)' other matter or consideration it deems fit to bring to the Vlinister's attention; and ($ a suilrmary of all its recommendations to renrove or alleviate the barrier or bariers in question. PARTIV GexnenFonuu I Gender Forum (1) Tlre Commission shall armually, on a date ard at a venue to be notified not less than tbree months beforehand in the Ga.zette,organise, convene and host a Gender Fomm to discuss any issue or issues of cnncern related to its constitutional and statutory functions. Provided that the venue of the Gender Forum shall rotate annually through every provincial centre of Zimbabwe in such order as the Commission shall determine. (2) The notice of intention to organise, convene and host the Forum shall include the following (a) the proposed venue or venues and the proposed date or dates for the Forum: and the proposed agenda for the Forum, if any; and an invitation to relevant stakeholder organisations and other persons (b) (c) r52 Cap. 1B:31 ZTMSABwE GnivDER CoruruussroN No. 712&15 interested in gender equalrty, gender equity or gender mainstreaming issues to submit (i) suggestions for topics to be included in the agenda for discussion at the Forum; and (ii) lists of proposed participants at the Forum, specifying for each proposed participant what credentials he or she possesses that may tre of benefit to the Forum's deliberations. (3) Before publishing a notice in terms of subsection (1) the Commission shall , constitute (whether on a peflnanent or ad lzoc basis) a committee ("the Pre-Forum committee") of the Commission with the following terms of reference (a) to draw up a proposed agenda for the Forum; and (b) to advise tlre Commission on the financial, organisational and logistical requirements for convening and hosting the Forum; and (c) to solicit financial support or sponsorship from the State, the private and parastatal sectors and civil society organisations to enable the Forum to be convened; and (d) receive reports from the subcommittees (if any) constituted in terms of subsection (4). (4) To assist the Pre-Forum Committee in discharging its terms of reference the Commission may constitute a subcommittee in every provincial cenffe of Zimbabwe chaired by a member of the Pre-Fomm Committee. (5) Paragraph 7 of the First Schedule applies to the appointment and meetings of the Pre-Forum Committee, and to any subcommittee constituted in terms of subsection (4) as if the Pre-Forum Committee and subcommittee were committees of the Commission. (6) Paragraph 8 of the First Schedule applies to the keeping of minutes by the Pre-Forum committee of its own proceedings. (7) After publishing a notice in terms of subsection ( 1) the Pre-Forum committee \v, tnnt ,u, draw up a proposed final agenda for trre Forum; and (b) select from the lists referred to in subsection (2)(c)(ii) a proposed final list of participants at the Forum; and (c) transmit its proposals made under paragraphs (a) and (b) to the Commission, whose decision on these issues shall, subject to section 16, be final. I Conduct of Gender Forum (1) For the purpose of conducting a Gender Forum the Commission shall constitute (whether on a permanent or ad hoc basis) a committee ("the Forum committee") of the Commission with the following terms of reference (a) to ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of the Forum; and (b) to keep minutes of or record the proceedings of the Forum, or to cause the proceedings of the Forum to be minuted or recorded. (2) Paragraph 6 of the First Schedule applies to the appointment and meetings of the Forum committee. 153 No. 7l20Ls Zrvre,qg wE GSNDER C otu-rvttssloN Cap. 10:31 (3) Paragraph 8 of the First Schedule applies to the keeping of minutes by the Forum committee of its own proceedings and of the proceedings of the Forum. (4) The conclusions of every Gender Forum shall be embodied in written resolutions for presentation to the Commission and the Minister' PARTV Aow.nsrnxnolr or Z[\aeswE GENDER Cot*anssroN 10 Appointment and functions of Chief Executive Officer of Zimbabwe Gender Commission (1) Subject to this section, the Commission shall appoint, after consultation with the Minister, on such terms and conditions as the Commission may fix, a person to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and, subject to any other law, may suspend or discharge such person' (2) No person shall be appointed as chief Executive officer and no person (--, shall be qualifieb to hold office as Chief Executive Officer if he or she is not a citizen ' J of Zimbabwe or ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe. (3) The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer shall terminate if he or she would be required in terms of paragraph 3 of the First Schedule to vacate his or her office had that paragraph applied to him or her: Provided that his or her appointment shall not terminate on the ground that he or she has ceased to be a citizen of Zimbabwe or ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe, if the Minister has granted authority for him or her to continue in office. (4) The Chief Executive Officer shall, subject to the Commission's directions (a) supervise and manage the Commission's staff, activities, funds and property; and (b) perform such other functions on behalf of the Commission as the Commission may assign to him or her' (5) Any assignment of functions in terms of subsection (4) (a) may be made generally or specially and subject to such conditions, restrictions, reservations and exceptions as the Commission may determine; (b) may be revoked by the Comrnission at any time; (c) shall not preclude the Commission itself from exercising the functions. 11 Other staff of Commission The Commission shall, after consultation with the Minister and the Minister responsible for finance, appoint such other staff as may be convenient or necessary for-the proper exercise oflts functions and, subject to any other law, may suspend or discharge such persons. 12 Reports of Commission (l)The Commission shall as soon as possible and in any case not later than sixty days after the end of its financial year submit to the Minister, in such forms as the Minister may determine, an annual report on the activities of the Commission. (2) The annual report submitted in terms of subsection ( i ) shall include a copy of (a) a balance sheet; and 154 Cap. 10;31 ZrvrsAB wr GExDER ComvrrssroN No.7l}ilLs (b) the income and expenditure account; and (c) the annual report of theAuditor-General or the auditors appointed in terms ofsection 15(3). (3) The annual report submitted in terms of subsection (1) shatl be laid before Parliament by the Minister on one of the ten days on which Parliament sits next after the Minister has received the report. (4) The Commission shall submit to the Minister together with the annual report submitted in terms of subsection (1) a staternent of capital expendifire reported upon by the auditors (a) showing the general heads of such expenditure as compared with the figures provided therefor in the capital budget or supplementary capital budget approved for that financial year; and (b) explaining any difference between such figures. (5) A copy of any report made to the Commission by the Auditor-General or auditors shall be transmitted to the Minister at the time the Auditor-General or auditors make the report. The Commission in regard to its operations, undertakings and property shall submit to ttre Minister such other reports as the Minister may require; and (b) may submit to the Minister such other reports as the Commission rnav deem advisable. (7) The Commission shall give to the Minister all such information relating to the undertakings of the commission as the Minister may at any time require. PAITT W FnEaxcrAL PRcvrsIoNS 13 Funds of Cornrnission The funds of the Commission shall consist of such rnoneys as may be payable to the Ccmmission from moneys appropriated for that puqpose by Act of Parliament; and (b) registration fees, if any, charged to participants for attendance at a Gender Forum; and (c) any funds donated to the Commission for the purposes of carrying out its functions. (2) The Commission shall apply its funds to the fulfilment of its functiols. (3) Moneys not immediately required by the Commission may be invested in such a runner as the Commission, rvith the approval of the i\4inister and the Minister responsible for finance, considers appropriate. 14 Accounts of commission and appointment of internalauditor (1) The Commission shall ensure that proper accounts and other records relating to such accounts are kept in respect of all the Commission's activities, funds and property, including such particular accounts and records as the Minister may direct. (2) As soon as possible after the end of each financiul y*ut, the Commission shall prepare and submit to the Minister a statement of accounts in respect of that financial year or in respect of such other period as the Minister may direct. (6) (a) (1) (a) 155 No. 712015 ZuvreAB we Gei.rDER C orvttr,tts sI oN Cap. 10:3tr (3) Section 80 of the Public Finance Management ActfCh^apter 22:I9l shall apply, with such changes as may be necessary, to the appointmenl of an internal auditor to the Commission in all respects as if the Commission were a Ministry or a department of a Ministry. 15 Audit of Accounts (1) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited by the Auditor-General, who for that purpose shall have the functions conferred on him or her by sections 7 and 8 of the Audit Office ActfChapter 22:IBl. (2) Any person under the authority or supervision of the Conrmission who refuses to provide the Auditor-General with an explanation or information required by him or lrer for the puqposes of an audit or knowingly provides the Auditor-General with a false explanation or information, or au explanation or infonnation that the person has no gnrunds for believing to be true, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level six or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (3) Notwithstanding anghing contained in subsection (1), theAuditor-General may appoint a suitably qualifed person to audit the accounts of the Commission and ifhe or she does so (a) subsections (1) and (2) shall apply in respect ofthe person so appointed as if he or she were the Auditor-General; and (b) any expenses incurred by the person so appointed in carrying out his or her audit shall be met from the funds of the Conmrission. PART VII Mrsceiraxeous PnovtsroNs 16 Minister may give Commission directions in national interest (1) The Minister may give to the Commission such policy directions in writ ing relating to the exercise by it of its functions as may appear to the Minister to be requisite in the national interest. (2) The Commission shall, with all due expedition, comply with any direction given to it in terms of subsection (1). (3) Where the Commission has been given a direction in tenns of subsection (1), it shall ensure that the dircction and any views it has expressed thereon are set out in its annual report. 17 Regulations (1) The Minister after consultation with the Commission may make regulations providing for all matters which by this Act are required or permitted to be prescribed or which, in his or her opinion, are necessary or convenient to be provided for in order to carry out or give effect to this Act. (2) Regulations may provide for the terms and conditions of service of the Chief Executive Officer and the Commission's staff. (3) Regulations may provide for offences andpenalties which may be imposed for contraventions of the regulations, lvhich penalties shall not exceed a fine of level six or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or both. :3 I56 Cap. 1$:31 ZurasAB we GeNDER CorvrMrssroN No. 7120Ls \ FIRST SCHEDULE (Section 3(3)) PnovrstoNs Appricesr-E ro Covntsslor'i Paragraph 1. Interpretation in First Schedule. 2. Disqualification for appointment as member. 3. Vacation of office by appointed members of Commission. 4. Dismissal of office by members of the Commission. 5. Filling of vacancies of Commission. 6. Meetings and procedure of Commission. 7. Committees of Commission. 8. Minutes of proceedings of Commission and committees. 9. Validity of decisions and acts of Commission and committees. Interpretation in First Schedule l In this Schedule "member" (a) means a member of the Commission: (b) in relation to a statutory body, includes a person who is appointed to a Commission or other authority which is a statutory body or which is responsible for the administration of the affairs of a statutorv body; "statutory body" means (a) any Commission established by the Constitution; (b) any body corporate established directly by or under any Act of Parliament for special purposes specifed in that Act. Disqualification for appointnxerxt as member 2. (1) Subject to this Act, a person shall not be qualified for appointment as a member if (a) he or she not is a citizen of Zimbabwe or ordinarily resident il Zimbabwe: or (b) he or she has, in terms of a law in force in any country (i) been adjudged or otherwise declared insolvent or bankmpt and has not been rehabilitated or discharged; or (ii) made an assignment or composition with his or her creditors which has not been rescinded or set aside: or (c) within the period of flve years irnmediately preceding his or her proposed appointment, he or she has been sentenced in any country by a competent court to a term of imprisonment imposed without the option of a fine, whether or not any portion thereof has been suspended, and has not received a free pardon; or (d) he or she is a member of Parliament. (2) A person shall not be qualif,ed for appointment as a memtreq nor shall he or she hold office as a member, if he or she is a member of trvo or more other statutory bodies. Ls7 No. 7f20ls ZlrvreABwe GSNDER CouvussloN Cap. 10:31 Vacation of ffice by members 3. (1) A member shall vacate his or her office and his or her office shall become vacant (a) one month after the date he or she gives notice in r,vriting to the President or in the case of the CtrO to the Chairperson, of his or her intention to resign his office or after the expiry of such other period of notice as he or she and the President or Chairperson, as the case rnaybe, agree; or (b) ou the date he or she begins to serve a sentence of irnprisonment, r,r'hether or not any portion has been suspended, imposed r,l'ithout the option of a fine (i) in Zimbabrve, in respect of an offence, or (ii) outsid e Zinfiabrve, in respect of conduct which, if committed in Ztnfrablve. r,roould h.ave constituted an off ence; lre or she becomes disqualified in teruns of paragraph ? to hold office a mernber. (2) The President, on the recommendation of the Commission, may require a member to vacate his or her office if the Minister is satisfied that the member has been absent without the consent of the chairperson from three consecutive meetings of the Commission, of which he or she has been given due notice in terms of paragraph 6, and that there was no just cause for the member's absence. Suspension af members 4. The President may suspend from office a member against whom criminal proceedings are instituted for an offence involving dishonesty and, whilst that member is so suspended, he or she shall not carry out any duties or be entitled to any remuneration or allowances as a member. FiIIing of vacancies on Commission 5. On the death of, or the vacation of office by, a member his or her office shall be filled within three months Meetings and procedure of Commission 6. (1) The Commission shall hold its first meeting on a date and place fixed by the Minister, and thereafter shall meet for the dispatch of business and adjoum, close and otherwise regulate its meetings and procedure as it thinks fit: Provided that the Commission shall meet at least once every three months. (2) Written notice of an ordinary meeting convened in terms of the proviso to slbparagraph (1) shall tre sent to each member not later than seven working days before the meeting, together lvith an agenda for the meeting. (3) The Chairperson (a) may convene a special meeting of the Commission at any time; and (b) shall convene a special meeting of the Commission on the written request of the Minister or not fewer than two members, which meeting shall be convened for a date not sooner than seven days and not later than thirty days after the Chairperson's receipt of the request' (4) Written notice of a special meeting convened in terms of subparagraph (3) shall be sent to each member not later than forty-eight hours before the meeiing and shall specify the business for which the meeting has been convened' or (c) if AS 158 Cap, 10:31 Z${eABwe GeNDER CorvrvussioN No.7f}CILs (5) No business shall be discussed at a special neeting convened in temrs of subparagraph (3) other than (a) such business as rnay be determined by the Chairperson, where he or she convened the meeting in terms of subparagraph 3(a); or (b) the business specified in the request for the meeting, where the Chairperson convened the meeting in terms of paragraph 3(b). (6) Tlrc Chairperson or, in his or her abselce, the Vice-Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Commission: Provided that, if the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are both absent from any meeting of the Commission, the members present may elect one of their number to preside at that meeting as chairperson. (7) A majority of members shall form a quorum at any meeting of the Commission. (8) All acts, matters or things, authorised or required to be done by the Commission may be decided by a majority vote at any meeting of the Cornmission at which a quorum is present: Provided that in the event of an equality of votes the Chairperson or person presiding at the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to his or her deliberative vote. (9) with the commission's approval, the Chairperson of the commission may invite any person to attend a meeting of the Commission or a comrnittee, where the Chairpenon considers that the person has special knowledge of or experience in any matter to be considered by the Commission or the committee, as the case may be, at that meeting. ( l0) A person invited to attend a meeting of the Commission or of a committee may take part in the proceedings of the Commission or the committee as if he or she were a member thereof, but he or she shall not have a vote on any question before the Commission or committee, as the case may be. ( 1 I ) Any proposal circulated among all members and agreed to in writing by a majority of them shall have the same effect as a resolution passed at a duly constituted meeting of the members and shall be incorporated into the minutes of the next succeeding meeting of the Commission: Provided that if a member requires that such a proposal be praced before a meeting of the Commission, tlis subparagraph shall not apply to the proposal. Com.mittees of Commis sion 7. (1) For the better exercise of its functions the Commission may establish one or more committees in which the Commission may vest its functions as it considers appropriate: Provided that the vesting of any function in a cornmittee shall not divest the Commission of that function, and the Commission may amend or rescind any decision of the committee in the exercise of that function. (2) On the establishment of a committee, the Commission (a) shall appoint at least one member of the Commission as a member of the committee, and that member or, if two or more members of the Commission are so appointed, one of those members, as the case may be, shall be chairperson of the committee; and 159 No. 712015 Zvmae rvs GENDER CoularssloN Cap. 10:31 (b) may appoint as members of the committee persons who are not members of the Commission and may fix terms and conditiors of their appointment. (3) Meetings of a committee may be convened at any time and at any place by the Chairperson of the Commission. (4) If the chairperson of a committee is absent from any meeting of the committee, the members present may elect one of their number to preside at that meeting as chairperson. (5) A majority of members of a committee shall form a quorum at any meeting of a committee. (6) Anything authorised or required to be done by a commiftee may be decided by a majority vote at a meeting of the committee at which a quorum is present. (7) At all meetings of a committee each member present shall have one vote on each question before the committee: Provided that in the event of an equality ofvotes the chailperson or person pre siding at the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to his or her deliberative vote. (8) Subject to this paragraph, the procedure to be followed at any meeting of a committee shall be as flxed by the Commission. Minutes of proceedings of Camtnission and committees 8. (l) The Commission shall cause minutes of all proceedings of and decisions taken at every meeting of the Commission and of every committee to be entered in books kept for the purpose. (2) Any minutes which purport to be signed by the person presiding at the meeting to which the minutes relate or by the person presiding at the next following rneeting of the Commission or the committee concerned, as the case may be, shall be accepted for all purposes as primafacre evidence of the proceedings and decisions taken at the meeting concemed. (3) The Commission and any committee of the Commission shall cause copies of all minutes that have been signed to be sent to the Minister for his or her information. Validity of decisions and acts of Commission and committees 9. No decision or act of the Commission or a committee or act that is authorised by the Commission or a committee shall be invalid solely because there was a vacancy in the membership of the Commission or the cormnittee or because a disqualified person purported to act as a member of the Commission or the committee, as the case may be, at the time the decision was taken or ihe act was done or authorised. SECOND SCHEDULE (Section 4(2)) ANcn-ranv Powuns or ComrarssloN To acquire premises necessary or convenient for the exercise of its functions and for that purpose to buy, talie on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire immovable property and any interest therein and any rights concessiols, grants; powers and privileges in respect thereof. To buy, take in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire movable property necessary or convenient for the exercise of its functions. To maintain, alter or improve prcperty acquired by it. To mortgage any assets, or part of any assets and, with the approval of the Minister, to sell, exchange, lease, dispose of tum to account or otherwise deal with any l. 2. 3 A-f. 160 Cap. 10:31 ZLr,teABwe GcNDER CouvussroN No.7lhfiLs assets or part of any assets which are not required for the exercise of its firnctions for such consideration as it may determine. 5 . To gren bank accounts in the name of the commission and to dmw, make, accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue for the purposes ofits functions promissory notes, bills of exchange, securities andothernegotiable ortransferable irxtruments. 6. To insure against losses, damages, risks and liabilities which it may incur. 7 . With the approval of Minister, to establish and administer such funds and reserves not specifi.cally provided for in this Act as the Commission considers appropriate or necessary for the proper exercise of its functions. 8. To puy suchremuneration andallowances and grant such leave of absence andto make such gifts, bonuses and the like to staff of the Cornrnission as it considers fit. 9. To provide pecuniary benefits for staff of the Commission on their retirement, resignation, discharge or otier termination of seruice or in the event of their sickness or injury and for their dependants, and for that purpose to effect policies of insurance, provident funds or make such other provision as may be necessary to secure for its staff and their dependants any or all of the pecuniary benefits to which the provisions of this paragraph relate. 10. To purchase, take on lease or in exchange or othenvise acquire land for residential purposes or dwellings-houses for use or occupation by staffof the Commission. il. To construct dwellings, outbuildings or improvements for use or occupation by members of the Commission. 12. To provide or guarantee loans made to members of the Commission for the purchase of dwelling-houses or land for residential purposes, the constmction of dwelling-houses and the improvement of dwelling houses or land which are the property of its members, subject to any conditions that may be imposed by the Commission from time to time. 13. To provide security in respect of loans by the deposit of securities, in which tle commission may invest such money as it may consider necessary for the purpose. 14. Subject to any conditions that may be imposed by the Commission from time to time, to provide loans to any members of the Commission (a) for the puqpose of purchasing vehicles or otherequipment to be used by the members in carrying out their duties; or (b) not exceeding six months' salary or wages payable to the members concerned, for any purpose on such security as the Commission thinks adequate. 15. To do anything for tlre purpose of impr<rving the skill, knowledge or usefulness of members of the Commission, and inthat connection to provid'e or assist other persons in providing facilities for training, education and research, including the awarding of scholarships for such aaining. 16. To engage in any activity, either alone or in conjunction with civil society organizations and other organizations or international agencies, to promote better understanding of gender issues. 17 . To do anything which by this Act or any other enactment is required or pemritted to be done by the Commission. 18. Generally to do all such things that are conducive to the performance of the functions of the commission in terms of this Act or any other enactment. 161