The Zimbabwe Sadc Protocol@Work summit ended on a high note last Wednesday with 23 wards in various categories affirming good practices on gender in local governance, economic development, programmes and leadership, including youth.
Held under the theme Promoting Gender Responsive Governance and Economic Development, the summit brought together over 200 participants from 56 local authorities, civil society and government.
The event provided a platform for sharing best practices on gender mainstreaming, gender-responsive budgeting, entrepreneurship, drivers of change, gender-based violence, sexual reproductive health and rights, climate change and youth leadership.
A total of 16 winners and 17 runners-up emerged from the summit, showcasing exemplary work in promoting gender equality.
The summit received high-level support from stakeholders, including Local Government and Public Works minister Daniel Garwe; Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development ministry, embassy of Sweden senior government officials and development partners.
Garwe emphasised the importance of recognising local authorities as centres of excellence in gender mainstreaming, stating that “these institutions showcase governance that prioritises gender equality and serve as models for others to emulate.”
He also highlighted the crucial role of local economic development in driving sustainable growth and urged the media to engage in responsible reporting and representation of gender issues.
The embassy of Sweden’s deputy head of Development Cooperation Emili Perez acknowledged the fruitful partnership between Gender Links and the embassy of Sweden, which has facilitated learning and sharing through the Promoting Gender Inclusive Local Economic Development and Centres of Excellence programmes.
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Key developmental partners, such as Diakonia, stressed the need to sustain work on gender-responsive budgeting at the local level.
This can be achieved through capacity building for councillors and officials, as well as strengthening systems and policies to monitor and evaluate gender budgeting and local economic development.
The summit’s outcomes align with the government of Zimbabwe’s priority areas of gender budgeting and local economic development.
These initiatives aim to advance gender mainstreaming and equality, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous society.
