Summit 2016 – Chegutu Municipality COE

Chegutu Municipality is situated in the Mashonaland West region of Zimbabwe. The council is synonymous for initiating response mechanisms to gender based violence in which they reclaimed grassy areas which had been a haven for criminal activity and Gender Based Violence.

The council has 12 councillors, by which nine are male and three are female. There are two committees within this council, and women chair two of those. There are more girls than boys in this council. The Junior Council is a male.

One of the women’s group in Chegutu is involved in solid waste management by through recycling. The junior council holds meetings and make developmental recommendations to main council. Between 26 and 50 percent women partake in the council’s public consultations.

The council has employed 77 women and seven of those form part of the council’s management. The Systems Administrator, Revenue Accountant and the new Director of Housing are women.

The council provides six months for maternity leave and one month for paternity. The council has a policy against sexual harassment.  Initially, a case of sexual harassment is reported to a supervisor through our grievance handling procedure. If the supervisor sees it fit to report it further, the head of department fills a complaint for and the perpetrator is taken to a disciplinary hearing through our disciplinary hearing procedure.

Youths and women are being allocated vendor market stalls stands in the CBD so that they can be empowered. The council is working hand in hand with financial institutions and Ministries of Youth and Agriculture to finance projects.

There are streets lights in the CBD and the low density areas. In the high density areas, adequate tower lights are in place. This is part of ensuring safety and security of the residents.