political affiliation, opinion, custom, culture, sex, gender, marital status, age, pregnancy, disability or economic or social status, or whether persons were born in or out of wedlock. 2.2. The Constitution further mandates the State to take reasonable legislative and other measures to promote the achievement of equality and to protect or advance people or classes of people who have been disadvantaged by unfair discrimination.10 2.3. Accordingly, discrimination on the basis of some of the categories outlined above is addressed in terms of a number of constitutional, legislative and administrative measures as outlined below. Discrimination on the Basis of Gender and Sex 2.4. The Constitution enjoins the State to ensure that women and men have the right to equal treatment including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres11. In addition, Section 17 of the Constitution places an obligation on the State to promote full gender balance in Zimbabwean Society and in particular, the State is required to ensure that both genders are equally represented in all institutions and agencies of Government at every level12. Constitution prohibits all laws, customs, traditions and cultural practices that infringe the rights of women conferred by the same and confer women with the same rights as men regarding the customs and guardianship of family13. Further, equality of rights and obligations of spouses during marriage and at its dissolution are guaranteed14. 2.5. Furthermore, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) is mandated, among other things, to monitor implementation of gender equality and programmes as provided for in the 10 Section 56 (6) of The Constitution 11 Section 56 of the Constitution 12 Section 17 of the Constitution 13 Section 80 of the Constitution 14 Section 26 of the Constitution Page | 3