PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

ZIMBABWE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND GENDER JUSTICE SUMMIT AND AWARDS 23-25 APRIL 2012 KAPONANG HOTEL; JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA 365 DAYS OF LOCAL ACTION TO END VIOLENCE AND

EMPOWER WOMEN

COUNCILOR BENARDETTE CHIPEMBERE CHIREDZI TOWN COUNCIL 50/50 CAMPAIGN

HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT IDENTIFYING THIS PROBLEM?

Chiredzi Town Council is located in the Low-veld, in the southern part of Zimbabwe. It has a population of approximately 70,000 people. The big question is how many people know about the 50/50 campaign, therefore the need for door-to-door campaigns at grassroots level if we are to achieve the 2015 targets.

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

At least 30% of the population had an idea about 50/50 and other gender issues. I discovered that most 50/50 gender equality campaigns were focused on the top echelons of leadership in Government, business and general leadership. It is for this reason that i decided to focus on grass roots people because they have no access to information on equal representation in decision making positions.

IS THIS ISSUE IMPORTANT?

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

The issue is important because the people who need to change their mindsets in numbers are found at the grassroots.
There is need for grassroots to understand the importance of 50/50 or equal representation in positions of authority e.g. local government, lower and upper house. The Political targets of having 50/50 representation in local gvt, lower and upper houses will not be achieved by 2015 and in the coming Zimbabwe elections.

50/50 CAMPAIGN

HOW ARE YOU GOING ABOUT ADDRESSING THI S PROBLEM?

I have set-up ward campaign teams of 50 people per ward. The team is made up of men and women, vendors, church persons, politicians from the three major political parties and local government leaders.
To equip the teams with the knowledge on gender equality issues, Womens rights in the development of our communities

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

Strengthening of leadership skills

Building their confidence and public speaking Mobilising support from the community Highlighting the barriers faced by women if they want to participate in politics The major reference was THE COAL FACE, a Zimbabwean publication by Genderlinks

50/50 CAMPAIGN

WHAT IS THE TIME-FRAME FOR THE PROJECT?

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

The project was launched immediately after the 50/50 re-launch at Crown Plaza Hotel on 5 August 2011 and its on-going until all the we have reached every household in Chiredzi Town.

50/50 CAMPAIGN

WHO IS THE KEY TARGET? WHO IS INVOLVED? ARE WOMEN AND MEN EQUALLY INVOLVED?

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

The key target is Chiredzi community, which is both rural and urban. The stakeholders involved are, Residents Ministry of Womens Affairs Business community Residents Associations Womens groups

Men and women are equally involved.

50/50 CAMPAIGN

PARTNERSHIPS FORMED THROUGH THE PROJECT

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE
There were partnerships that were formed through the project.

Chiredzi Town Council The three main political parties (ZANU-PF, MDC & MDC-T) Womens organizations Churches
50/50 CAMPAIGN

RESOURCEFULNESS: WHAT FINANCIAL, HUMAN AND OTHER RESOURCES WERE MOBILISED?

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

The Councillor provides refreshments, whilst Council provides gender focal persons and a transport vehicle. Womens organizations provided (Wo)manpower

50/50 CAMPAIGN

CREATIVITY: ARE YOU USING ARTS, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA TO POPULARISE THE ISSUES?

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

The local arts group acted out dramas and plays to publicise the 50/50 campaign. The dramas are being performed at public places such as beer-halls, bus termini and schools. A local paper-the Masvingo Mirror- covered the 50/50 campaign activities

50/50 CAMPAIGN

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Periodic feedback meetings with the ward campaign teams

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

The ability to interpret the 28 targets of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development by community members. Increased numbers of people joining campaign teams and attendance at campaign meetings.

50/50CAMPAIGN

WHAT RESULTS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED?

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

Grass roots people are now knowledgeable on the 50/50 campaign and the increase in numbers who want to join the campaign teams. Community awareness on Gender & Governance has been enhanced. Acceptance of the 50/50 parity by men .

50/50 CAMPAIGN

IMPACT (BASED ON THE SADC PROTOCOL TARGETS)

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

The impact is the quality of participation by women has improved. The increase in numbers of women participation and gender awareness levels have gone up. Policies are now being changed to suit the needs of women

50/50 CAMPAIGN

SUSTAINABILITY AND REPLICATION

The 50/50 campaign can be replicated by fellow Councillors. It can be taken-up by other councils in their respective areas.
Door-to-door campaigns are proving to be effective.

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

50/50 CAMPAIGN

LESSONS LEARNED
Women have been unified despite coming from different political backgrounds Persistence pays. It is difficult for the community to grasp gender issues without assistance, especially men. Its is very important to rope-in the political parties There is low literacy levels pertaining to gender issues. Lack of support from families There are cultural barriers between women and men. There is for identification of people who are running the campaign.

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

50/50 CAMPAIGN

PROJECTS: GENDER & GOVERNANCE

ANY QUESTIONS?