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Ruth Butaumocho
Growing up in a family where political discussions were a daily fodder, Councillor Blessing Govere knew her destiny was already carved out.
Even her associates during that time were mainly from the National Youth Service.
Soon after turning 18, she immediately joined the ruling Zanu PF party, as a card-carrying member in her ward.
While young women of her age were seized with dating and fashion, Cllr Govere, now 42, would spend her time attending youth meetings and interacting with politicians alongside her mother, Cde Charity Govere, a war veteran and a party stalwart.
It therefore, did not come as a surprise when she landed the post of councillor for the Marondera Municipality under the women’s quota.
“I am finally where I have always wanted to be”, enthused Cllr Govere in a recent interview.
Having served in different capacities within the ruling party for the past 20 years, Cllr Govere says she will continue empowering women, particularly now, when she is in a better position to impact.
“Women are keen to change their circumstances economically, but they often struggle to do so due to limited resources. I will continue pushing for their economic empowerment by engaging in various income-generating projects focusing on initiatives such as making detergents, sanitary pads and different forms of vending,” she said.
Cllr Govere added that from the several consultative budgets meetings she has been attending together with other councillors, the majority of attendants who are mainly women, would want to see an improvement in health delivery services and the water provision throughout the year.
Although she is happy about landing a seat via the Proportional Representation, Cllr Govere says the provision is limiting since she does not have a particular ward under her jurisdiction.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a councillor granted to me under the 30 percent quota allocation for local authorities, a feat that was made possible by his His Excellency, President Mnangagwa as part of measures to ensure gender balance.
“However, in the next election, I intend to present myself for elections so that I will have a constituency to represent in Parliament. As a tried and tested cadre who has been in politics for many years, I feel I am now ripe for more challenging positions of authority,” she asserted.
Online Reporter