Zimbabwe women to represent Southern Africa in Morocco

Zimbabwe will now represent the Southern African region in the Regional Committee of the United Cities and Local Governments Association after being elected at the first forum for the African Selected Women Summit in Morocco.

Zimbabwe, which was represented by chairpersons of Rural District Councils and Deputy Mayors to the first forum for African Selected Women Summit, under the banner of the United Cities and Local Government Association, was elected to represent the Southern African region bureau.

Head of delegation, who is also Umguza Rural District Council Chairperson, Mrs Sikhanyisiwe Mpofu said the election of the country into the committee will allow Zimbabwe to spearhead various programmes for the participation of women in local governance.

"We are happy that as a country we had to battle it out for the post in the committee to represent our region," she said.

Some of the participants at the summit said it provided an opportunity to African local governments to strategise on how to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly the goal on the promotion of equality and the empowerment of women.

"We had a vibrant programme which taught us on leadership and capacity building in the local government sector. Issues discussed include poverty eradication and enhancing leadership," said one of the participants at the summit, Bernadete Chipembere.

The bureau that was elected at the just ended summit consists of members from each geographical region and will spearhead programmes on capacity building, leadership and development of women in the local government sector.

Zimbabwe is set to benefit from being a member by ensuring maximum support for women in the local government sector.

Although the country has female Rural District Council chairpersons and deputy mayors, there is no female mayor.