Tinaani Nyabereka
Shurugwi-The involvement of women in decision making processes is crucial in addressing most service delivery challenges affecting communities as revealed in a study conducted by local development experts.
This was highlighted by the Zimbabwe Women Resource Centre Network (ZWRCN) and Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) during a collaborative engagement with Shurugwi community and ZWRCN Gender champions on September 29.
Speaking during the programme which focused on equipping women with leadership skills, ZWRCN’s Gender Economic Policies and Public Finance Officer Marilyn Mucherera said as an organisation they were there to amplify the voices of women in communities.
“As an organisation we greatly stand and believe in advocating for women’s rights and making a difference on the life of the girl child. So, through the cycle of this project we were working in collaboration with our partner GRRA to amplify the voice of women in decision making processes.”
“One of the platforms which we wish the voice of mothers to be heard are community meetings, budget and electoral processes so that they can assume leadership roles. We have been persuading women to assume leadership roles by highlighting the importance of being involved.
“We believe participation is key as it is crucial in achieving gender equality and brings community development. Bridging the link between participation and service delivery, you can see women are at the centre as they understand service delivery issues better,” said Mucherera.
GRRA director Conerlia Selipiwe said it is important for a community to consider leadership qualities when selecting a leader.
“As we have already said, we are here to persuade you the gender champions and the community to assume leadership positions as this is key in achieving gender equality in our society.
“We need leaders who know what their mandate is, that is to serve people who sent them to office. You are in charge of monitoring these councillors as you have the power to elect them.
“Don’t be afraid to come up with your own checklist of developmental priorities when you send your councillor or Member of Parliament to duty. If s/he comes back with feedback, check whether you are on the same page with him/her.
“Why only wait for men to lead, be leaders as women because you are better leaders. You understand areas which affect you, your homes, communities, constituencies even better than anyone else,” he said.
He further said it was a commendable move to know that Shurugwi as a community has women in leadership posts.
“It is good to note that at least in Shurugwi you have three women but more needs to be done. Be influential in decision making as your contributions shape the community we want.
“On the issue of budgeting processes, we see gaps are there and the need to bridge them is vital. People must understand how budgeting processes go; we want women to know how a gender sensitive budget can be crafted.
“It is important to equip women with knowledge about budgeting, budget processes and how they can contribute actively. We understand once a budget is formulated and written in English, it becomes a challenge to others. Why not break it in a simple language for all people to understand? So we need to put our local authorities to task as they work with communities so that no one is left behind,” he added.
A ward 11 Gender Champion said it is pathetic to note that councillors are now deserting residents.
“Let me say it, we have a new breed of councillors nowadays. After you vote for them, they relocate from their wards to low density suburbs. They are not aware of developments happening in their wards. They are now bosses.
“It’s pathetic to note these are now our community leaders. Next year is coming, we will revisit the books, we don’t have any way to lay our complaints, we voted them into office in 2018 and never saw them again,” she said.
Ward 13 councillor Priscilla Mushonga expressed gratitude to the two organizations for visiting the community.
“I am happy our residents association has come to engage us, at last I am sure people now understand that to improve service delivery, we need unity of purpose.
“I hope as a ward going forward, we will see change and actively participate,” said Mushonga.
It has been noted that about 70% of women in sub-Saharan region are greatly affected by poor service delivery since they spend most of their time at home.
