Breastfeeding public servants can now travel on official duty with their babies and designated caregivers, following a new Government policy aimed at removing childcare barriers and promoting a more inclusive working environment for women.
The measure, introduced by the Public Service Commission (PSC), on 23 October, allows eligible public officers with children aged up to two years to be accompanied by their babies and baby minders on approved official trips within Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has welcomed the policy, saying it addresses challenges faced by nursing mothers who have often struggled to balance professional obligations with breastfeeding and childcare responsibilities.
In a statement, recently, the commission said the provision would help ensure that women were not disadvantaged in their careers or excluded from official assignments because of their maternal responsibilities.
“The policy recognises the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers in balancing professional responsibilities and childcare, while promoting gender-responsive and family-friendly workplaces,” the commission said.
The ZGC said the initiative gives practical effect to constitutional provisions requiring the State to promote gender equality, ensure balanced participation of women and men in public life, and prohibit discrimination based on sex or gender.
Under the new arrangements, the respective ministries and Government departments will meet the costs of transporting, accommodating and providing meals for the designated baby minder, subject to established procedures and available budgetary provisions.
The policy stipulates that caregivers must be at least 18 years old, while public servants seeking to benefit from the arrangement are required to submit written applications accompanied by relevant supporting documents.
The commission said the policy followed concerns it had raised over the difficulties breastfeeding mothers encountered when required to undertake official assignments away from their usual workplaces.
“The Zimbabwe Gender Commission commends the Public Service Commission for its prompt and timely response to the Commission’s advisory on this matter and for prioritising the issue as an urgent gender equality concern,” the statement said.
The ZGC urged all ministries, Government departments and agencies to ensure the policy is widely communicated and effectively implemented so that eligible employees can benefit from the provisions.
It also called for broader workplace reforms to strengthen support for breastfeeding mothers and promote a healthier work-life balance across the public service.
