Perkins Francis Duri – Zimbabwe

On behalf of the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa-Southern Africa Regional Office (UCLGA-SARO). It is our great pleasure to convey our congratulatory message on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Gender Links.

Over the ten years Gender Links has played a fundamental role in integrating and institutionalizing gender issues in local government in the SADC region. In doing so it has contributed immensely to the attainment of the goals set out in the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and other international declarations. Your work on gender justice and equality, particularly the Centres of Excellence programme, in which our towns and cities are participating, has made a huge impact in sensitizing Local Authorities on Gender Based Violence and other forms of discrimination. It has greatly transformed perceptions in local authorities and their communities. They are now more knowledgeable about gender and the need for gender sensitive systems of governance than before.

It is our desire to see Gender Links strengthening its resolve to tackle impediments to gender equality and strengthen the institutional capacity of local government associations in the region to enable them to tackle issues on gender justice effectively.

We look forward to a long lasting, mutually beneficial and fruitful collaboration between our organisations.

We wish you every success in your endeavours to ensure gender justice.

Mr Perkins Francis Duri – UCAZ Secretary General