By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Beitbridge – Women’s Quota Councilor Brenda Maworere has urged women to actively participate in politics, leadership, and economic activities in response to the government’s call for increased female participation across all sectors.
She made the remarks during budget consultations held last week at the Municipality of Beitbridge boardroom, where she emphasized the importance of women taking up leadership and decision-making roles at both local and national levels.
“The government is focused on empowering women economically and addressing gender-based violence,” said Maworere.
“We want to see women taking part in decision-making processes and occupying leadership positions in all spheres of society.”
She expressed her concern over the low number of women employed at the Beitbridge Municipality, revealing that only 22% of the workforce are women.
She urged local women to apply for municipal jobs whenever vacancies arise, as part of her push toward achieving a 50/50 gender representation.
Maworere further encouraged women to take advantage of government tenders and empowerment programs, noting that women are now being given first preference as part of broader efforts to boost their participation in the economy.
“I urge women to participate in tenders offered by the government,” she said.
“These opportunities are meant to uplift and empower women economically.”
Maworere’s call comes against the backdrop of the Government of Zimbabwe’s constitutional amendment that introduced a 30% quota for women councilor in local government ahead of the 2023 national elections.
The amendment followed extensive lobbying by the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) and partner organisations, which have been advocating for a 50% gender balance in all leadership positions.
Councilor Maworere’s remarks reinforce national efforts to promote gender equality and ensure that women play an active role in the development of their communities and the nation at large.