Gender issues gained momentum since the 1970s pushed by a wave of feminists. Ever since, gender issues have
been discussed and debated in many foras. But, the Beijing International Conference (1995) was the climax that
changed the landscape. Zimbabwe participated and was fully represented from all sectors of the population. The
Conference came up with the ” Beijing Platform of Action”. This actually pushed the UN to quickly set up what we
know today as “UNIFEM” the Women’s wing of the United Nations. UNIFEM in 2005, 10 years after Beijing
declaration, reviewed the progress by setting up the Millennium Development Goals which were to be adhered to
by all Countries who are members of the UN. These Goals are to be reviewed in 2015. This is the time of change
and critical challenge for all women working in tertiary institutions for reviewing and evaluating the gains achieved
to date and establish whatever gaps still exist.