2025 SADC Gender Protocol @Work Summit officially opened

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Engineer Benjamin Kabikira, said this in an address at the recent 2025 Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Annual Congress held in Victoria Falls.

Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

LOCAL Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Engineer Benjamin Kabikira has officially opened the 2025 SADC Gender Protocol @Work Summit and Awards.

He commended ongoing gender mainstreaming efforts being championed by local authorities, civil society organisations and development partners.

Having toured several institutions earlier in the day, Deputy Minister Kabikira noted that local authorities are “doing wonders” through initiatives that place communities at the centre of development.

“When we talk of development and national growth, it must start at the local level,” the deputy minister said.

“We are very happy with the effort that councils are putting in and we encourage them to deepen these initiatives that are transforming communities and families.”

The 2025 summit is run under the theme: “Taking Stock of Gender Responsive Budgeting and Local Economic Development Initiatives.”