Nathi Masuku
WOMEN in Kamativi Ward 11 have voiced concern on being side-lined in economic and political decision making processes, a situation that has seen many of them losing out on opportunities that could benefit community development.
This emerged during a dialogue meeting organised by Basilwizi Trust on Wednesday at Kamativi community hall. The meeting sought to raise awareness on women’s rights on the heels of the commemoration of International Women’s Day.
In a community largely comprising families of former mine workers at the now defunct Kamativi Tin Mine, women make up the majority, but are at the periphery of all social process.
Out of 21 leadership positions in Ward 11, there are only nine women occupying seats at high decision making ranks in the community.
Kamativi has two women who are village heads and four at school development committees. The settlement is one that suffers lack potable water sources, in what has created community water committees led by two women.
The women are not amused that other influential positions of authority are occupied by men and would want that to change.
They cited long held cultural norms and values as factors that contribute to the continued discrimination.
Ruth Mudimba said while it is evident that there a few women in higher positions of authority, they face a challenge of pulling each other down.
“Women are divided. They cast each other down. If only women we can realise that we need one another in this fight for equality, then we are bound to transform our lives.“
Mrs Memory Mkhwananzi said she learned a lot on women’s rights from engagements with Basilwizi Trust.
“I have an obligation to share with other women in my community that we have to exercise our right to participate in crucial decision making possesses that affect our wellbeing and that of the country,“ she said.
Basilwizi Trust director Potter Muzamba said it is high time that women in Kamativi exercise their rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“Women should fully and effectively participate in decision making processes in public spheres,“ he said.
“This calls for the elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination to achieve gender equality as provided for in the section 17 and 18 of the Constitution.“
Kamativi Ward 11 councillor Mr Jacob Nyoni said it has fast dawned on the community that more has to be done to empower women.
“Women are integral to development and social cohesion. That is undeniable and as a leader here in Kamativi Ward 11,“he said.
“I vow to take a lead in creating a level field for women to express themselves and take the initiative to contest for political office.“
Traditional leaders were called upon to raise awareness on women’s rights as this will ensure equal participation by women in the decision making process.
Village heads from surrounding communities of Kamativi were in unison, promising they will change the status quo that discriminates women.
