Summit 2016 – Masvingo City Council COE

Masvingo is situated in the Masvingo Province known for the historical monumental site Great Zimbabwe that is also known as “Dzimba Dzemabwe” meaning houses of stone.

There is a Gender policy and action plan. The Action Plan has been revised and all departments participated. An advantage is the wider participation with the hope that it is appropriate and will be followed. The council has 10 councillors, all of whom are male.

In terms of participation of women, youth and the disabled the council sees them mostly at budget consultation and health club meetings where between 26 and 50 percent, women participate at these.

Progress has been evident in that the imbalance of women in decision making positions is understood. Yet due to slow staff movement change has not been realized. On the other hand two women were promoted from the police section to be parking supervisors. Women in junior positions and traditional jobs have been upgrading their qualifications. Thus making them illegible should an opportunity arise.

This council has budget allocated for supporting gender related programmes, both from 2015 and 2016

Market stalls have been allocated to men, women, youth and the disabled. There are 518 stalls. Of about 445 owned by women and 73 for men. Some Open area have been designated for youth for their projects. Projects such as carwash and motor repairs. People living with disability have access funding and stalls for their projects.

The council is aware of climate change and have drawn up a Greening Policy which is in draft form. There is a nursery where trees for planting are available. People are encouraged to get involved in planting trees to combat climate change.