Bulilima RDC undergoes gender training to strengthen inclusive governance

BULILIMA Rural District Council (RDC) has completed a gender sensitisation training programme facilitated by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission as part of efforts to strengthen the integration of gender equality principles into local governance and development planning.

The training, held on Friday last week, brought together council officials and community stakeholders to enhance understanding of gender-responsive governance and service delivery.
In a statement, the council said the training was aimed at building a local government system that responds fairly and effectively to the needs of all citizens.

“The training focused on the importance of gender mainstreaming in council planning, budgeting, and service delivery, ensuring that the needs of women, men, girls, and boys are considered equally in development programs,” said Bulilima RDC.
The local authority said participants also explored key issues including gender sensitivity, gender equality and equity, gender-based violence, gender legislation and the protection of survivors, as well as the distinction between protection and peace orders.

“Facilitators from the Zimbabwe Gender Commission guided departments to review current programmes and identify gaps where gender considerations are missing,” read the statement.
Discussions also focused on ensuring that infrastructure development, health services, water provision and agricultural support programmes are designed to benefit all members of the community rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

“The engagement further emphasised the need for local authorities to create inclusive, safe, and gender-responsive communities; promote equal participation in decision-making; challenge harmful gender stereotypes; and ensure that public services benefit all members of the community without discrimination,” read the statement.
According to the council, gender-based violence featured prominently during the training, with officials and stakeholders examining early warning signs, reporting mechanisms and referral pathways for survivors.

The local authority said collaboration between councils, the police, health institutions, traditional leaders and civil society organisations was critical to ensuring survivors receive timely support and protection.
The council added that the training reaffirmed the importance of equipping local authorities with the knowledge and tools required to integrate gender considerations into day-to-day governance and development programmes.

“Council departments were encouraged to include gender indicators in plans, collect sex-disaggregated data, and monitor whether programs are reaching both women and men equally,” said the council.
“Council leadership committed to strengthening partnerships with traditional leaders, schools and community groups to spread the messages beyond council chambers. In addition, officials noted that as the district implements devolution projects, gender-responsive planning will help ensure that boreholes, roads, clinics and income-generating projects serve everyone fairly,” said the council.

The training comes as local authorities across the country are increasingly being encouraged to mainstream gender considerations into development planning to ensure equitable access to services and opportunities for all members of society.