Affirmative Action, Women Empowerment in Education Sector in Zimbabwe

The study looked at Affirmative Action and its impact on women empowerment in the education sector of Mbizo Township. The objectives of the study are to assess the aims and objectives of government policy on empowerment of women in the education sector. Secondly to evaluate government policy on women empowerment and gender mainstreaming in the education sector. And thirdly to analyse the outcomes of government policy on Affirmative Action in the education sector. Descriptive survey was used for it enables one to express his/her feeling and thoughts on a situation. Three research instruments were used, one for Education Officer and the other for Heads and Deputy Heads of schools. Nineteen questionnaires were administered. Interviews were carried out with females in decision making positions. Focus group discussions were held with teachers from the nine schools in Mbizo Township. Different instruments were used for triangulation purposes. The study established that there is gender imbalance at deployment level of teachers. This imbalance mirrors itself at decision making levels. The study recommends that teacher training curriculum to include gender studies, governance.