First Lady, chiefs’ wives to meet this week

Herald Reporter
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has organised interface meetings with chiefs’ wives beginning this Friday, in a bid to share with them and build synergies on various programmes that promote empowerment of women and youths in their communities.

The first meeting will be held at Zimbabwe House in Harare, with chiefs’ wives from Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provinces.

A letter from Secretary for Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Mr George Magosvongwe has been sent to provincial administrators who are assisting with arrangements.

“This programme is premised on the philosophy that chiefs’ wives are at the centre of community development anchoring their spouses,” he said. “They, therefore, should be trained and empowered in order to strengthen this function.”

Mr Magosvongwe said the ministry had seen it necessary that the provinces be combined as Region 1 (Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East), Region 2 (Midlands, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South) and Region 3 (Manicaland and Masvingo).

“The meeting for Region 1 has been scheduled for the 15th of February, 2019 at Zimbabwe House in Harare,” he said.

“It shall be a half day meeting and, therefore, chiefs’ are expected to travel to and from the venue on the same day.

“Please note that every chieftainship must be represented, including those which are vacant as they should send a female representative. Female chiefs are expected to attend the meetings.”

Mr Magosvongwe said the spouses were to use the chiefs’ vehicles and where they do not have, arrangements should be made with fellow spouses within the district.

He said the ministry would only provide fuel to facilitate ease of travelling.

“Information regarding the details of the two remaining meetings shall be availed in due course,” said Mr Magosvongwe.

He said chiefs’ wives were expected to bring information such as the number of girls who are 18 years and below, number of women who are 18 to 40 years, number of women who are 40 to 60 years, and number of women who are 60 years and above.

They should provide information on running and possible projects that can be undertaken to empower women.