Summit 2017- Bokong Council COE

Bokong community council is situated in the rural village of Bokong in the Thaba-Tseka district. Bokong council joined   COE process in 2013.

The council is working within the national gender policy that incorporates the Post 2015 SADC Gender Protocol, SDGS and other relevant targets. Also makes sure that the council gender action plan is in line with the relevant targets. The council has 26 councillors; 13 women and 13 men, here were talking about 50/50 representation. The Council is chaired and deputized by a men.

The council has four committees, only one chaired by woman, but women still participate equally and take part in decisions that affect them.

During the public gatherings, youth, people with the disabilities (PWD) and community members participate equally especially on aids and service delivery issues. Between 51%- 75% women participate and be part of the decision makings.

The council has 12 employees and six are women while the other six are men. There are also two men in management.

There is a provision for maternity leave of three months and nursing hours for three months after maternity leave. The council does not have a sexual harassment policy, but the cases are referred to the nearest police station. The council place is accessible to people around it and facilities are disability friendly.

Bokong Community Council gender budget allocations for the year 2017/2018

This council is situated in a very rural area but the council has worked very hard to allocate market place for people. Even though it is not ideal place for business since it is a rural area women are still making use of the place and 75% of it is occupied by women.47 people have benefited from casual jobs created by the council;18 men,12 women and 17 youth.

The council is working closely with health workers and support groups members in fight of HIV/AIDS and also the council is encouraging men councillors to encourage more men to join support groups, for now there are only 335 women support groups members are they need men in order to make their work easy.

The council is also working with the Ministry of Forestry to decrease the effects of climate change and also to teach people about it.People have been planting trees, catchment and range management.

In terms of infrastructure and social development the council has allocated 130 men and 85 women land. The council has worked very hard to see that people especially women learn about the land act where it gives them right to apply and register for the lease on their own. There are also 130 and 30 members in water committees.

Click here to read more about the Bokong Community Council.