Zimbabwe – Gender Budgeting

It is realized that less women participate in public gatherings and even then may not fully participate. Masvingo City Council advertised the proposed 2017 budget allowing the public to comment. Following this there were scheduled budget consultative meetings at ward level. It went further to call for a women’s’ consultative meeting. This was done and there was a good response. Woman were able to express their concerns and offered suggestions to some issues raised. They were able to make their needs.

The aim of this project was to increase women participation in decisions making and to allow participants to appreciate the cost of providing safe water to each household in Masvingo City. Also to realize how some domestic practices affect the water and sewer infrastructure and to encourage residents to pay their water bills.

Women are responsible for most of the home chores and are directly affected when services are interrupted. Women also contribute to the family budget in cash and kind. In the meeting they clearly expressed their concerns and why bills are not always paid. They also highlighted areas that needed improvement. There was meaningful dialogue and participants contributed with ease.

The project has reached 96% direct beneficiaries. The participants were educated about the importance of safeguarding water and keeping them clean. The government allocated $460 to support the project. In kind contributions, the amount was $450. The total budget of this project is $910.

Masvingo City Council does not have female councillors. Through such forums women are then not able to contribute to the decision making process. Therefore it can be said that there was no women representation for the 2017 budget. Another challenge is the need to reach more women and encourage them to attend such meetings. In order to increase participation and to reach more women plans are to carry out quarterly outreaches funds permitting.

An evaluation of the meeting showed that when the women were called to participate in the general wards attendance was an average of 30-40% attendance of women. During discussions not many women could speak freely. In the women’s meeting the attendance of 169 women was the biggest meeting of all.

Throughout this project, women can now understand the budget process. They were able to personally speak of areas needing improvement. Women were able to express challenges they have when seeking services. Women also related to how their actions have a direct effect whether positive or negative. For example they saw the damaged sand in the system and are able to educate other women. The low levels of water were an eye opener the need to conserve water was immensely understood.

Mai Foroma says, “This had been one of the most productive budget consultation meetings I have attended.” Men have become more supportive in that the Mayor Councillors and management attended the meetings and participated. They were also able to hear what concerns the women had and together agreed immediately on some matters. For example the decision to view the site was because the men realised the women needed to see and understand.

Women are now able to articulate their issues. They gave valuable information which was of great benefit to council and assisted in improving service delivery. During the discussions it was interesting to see that the more mature ladies were clear about by- laws and challenged the council. Women are now able to organise and handle meetings on their own.

This program is sustainable as minimum cost is needed to hold meeting. In the gender plans there are plans to carry out trainings. When wide consultation is needed women may be allowed to contribute.