(HERALD) Chombo calls for gender equity in local govt
Chombo calls for gender equity in local govtMunicipal Reporter
LOCAL Government, Urban and Rural Development Minister Ignatius Chombo has challenged the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa to ensure increased participation of women in local government.
He made the remarks at the official opening of the UCLGA Southern Africa Regional Office in Harare recently.
SARO, whose regional offices are housed at Local Government House along Selous Avenue, comprises 11 national local governments associations from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Lesotho, Angola, Swaziland, Mauritius, Malawi, Mozambique and Swaziland.
Minister Chombo said it was worrying that despite their numerical advantage, women still remained under-represented in local government.
"Participation of women remains very marginal and I challenge SARO to proffer appropriate solutions to this shortcoming. We need further input on the approaches to be adopted to advance the cause of women and other marginalised groups.
"Gender equity must invariably be at the core of our agenda," Minister Chombo said.
He said SARO should champion ideas and experiences that enhance the local government sector in the region, reflect on the challenges affecting the region as well as generate practical solutions.
"Through SARO, we must be able to generate homegrown solutions to our problems as well as create space for collaboration with willing partners," he said.
Minister Chombo said SARO should mobilise funds for the rehabilitation of infrastructure destroyed by Cyclone Eline and homegrown coping mechanisms to deal with the impact of the economic recession.
SARO president Councillor Charles Mumena, from Zambia, said the office would allow the region to develop common programmes on service delivery, and help each other in capacity building and research.
The office will also interface with Sadc ministers of local government.
Clr Mumena paid tribute to Minister Chombo for supporting the hosting of the office in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe Local Government Association president Clr Nimrod Chiminya said SARO should facilitate the twinning of regional cities.
"We need to twin among ourselves," he said.
UCLGA president Father Simangiliso Mkhatswa of South Africa said the SARO office would be the focal point for all local government issues in the region.
Labels: IGNATIUS CHOMBO, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WOMEN
posted by MrK @ 8:30 AM
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