Zimbabwe: Municipality of Beitbridge - Gender mainstreaming in action

When I, Takavingei Mahachi, began my second term as councillor for Ward 3 in the Municipality of Beitbridge, I stepped into a community standing at the threshold of transformation. Located in the heart of Matabeleland South, Beitbridge is a rapidly growing border town, one alive with possibility yet grappling with challenges that demand intentional leadership. As chairperson of the Environmental Management and Works Committee, I knew that true development could only be achieved if every voice, women, men, and youth had a seat at the table.

Building a Gender-Responsive Municipality

From the outset, our goal was clear: embed gender equality in every aspect of local governance. For years, women and youth had been peripheral in municipal decision-making. We shifted the approach, ensuring equal representation, institutionalising gender mainstreaming, and actively engaging all groups in planning processes.

Our municipality adopted a comprehensive gender policy and earned recognition as the most resourceful urban council in 2021. This policy now guides our gender activities, supported by leadership committed to balancing representation. Today, Beitbridge proudly has four male and four female councillors, evidence that gender parity in governance is achievable.

Beyond representation, we focused on structural change: opening pathways for women and youth into senior leadership. One milestone was the recruitment of a female Roads Technician, a field historically dominated by men. These shifts are making leadership more reflective of the community it serves.

Community Engagement that Leaves No One Behind

Real change cannot occur without understanding the lived realities of residents. Through ward meetings, listening sessions, and sector‑specific consultations, we created spaces where men, women, and youth openly shared their priorities.

This engagement sparked tangible outcomes:

• Safer neighbourhoods: After residents raised concerns about rising crime, the council committed ward retention funds to install tower lights—restoring safety and dignity to communities.
• Empowerment of vendors: By meeting with informal traders, we identified barriers affecting their livelihoods. This resulted in more inclusive planning and stronger support systems for micro‑entrepreneurs, especially women.
• Inclusive urban planning: Residents were central participants in shaping the Beitbridge Town Master Plan, ensuring development reflects the needs of all.
• Health, unity, and well‑being: Community events like the Mayor’s Half Marathon fostered social cohesion and strengthened informal relationships between residents and officials.
• Economic opportunity: Business exhibitions amplified the visibility of local entrepreneurs, opening doors for partnerships and growth.

Driving Gender Equality Through Learning and Partnerships

One of the most transformative forces behind our progress has been capacity building. Through partnerships with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, Community Youth Development Trust (CYDT), and Gender Links, we rolled out training on gender legal frameworks, GBV prevention, and sexual harassment in the workplace. These sessions empowered councillors, municipal staff, and community members to understand rights, challenge inequalities, and identify violations.

This learning culture shifted attitudes, strengthened institutional accountability, and equipped the municipality to integrate gender considerations into all planning and service delivery.

Evidence of Real Change

Our journey has been marked by measurable progress:

• Staff training: Multiple employees have undergone gender, GBV, and legal framework training—building internal capacity to sustain gender mainstreaming.
• Policy direction: The adopted gender policy now anchors all council activities.
• Collaborations: Partnerships with Gender Links, CYDT, and the Gender Commission have enhanced our reach, strengthened awareness campaigns, and improved community reporting systems.
• Leadership commitment: The push for greater youth and women’s representation in senior positions reflects our long‑term commitment to equitable governance.

Building a Future that Sustains Inclusion

Sustainability has been central to our approach. Beitbridge is undergoing major infrastructure development—from road upgrades to water systems such as the new 11.4‑megalitre reservoir and solarised boreholes. These investments ease the burden on women and girls who have historically travelled long distances for water—reducing exposure to abuse and freeing time for education and economic participation.

Our climate‑smart agricultural initiatives, particularly water harvesting and drip irrigation, uplift women and youth, enabling them to build livelihoods less vulnerable to climate shocks.

We are scaling up gender mainstreaming through continuous training, evidence‑based planning, and stronger partnerships. With each programme, each consultation, and each training session, Beitbridge inches closer to a municipality where everyone—regardless of gender or age—can participate, contribute, and thrive.

Community Voices: Reflections on the Journey

Women have the potential to create change and stand up for what they believe— Angellina Tauya

The biggest obstacle to the liberation of women and marginalized groups is the internalised oppression that makes us believe we are not worth more — Brenda Maworere

It is a feeling of being trapped, of being unable to move or speak, of being invisible — Chirozva Komborero & Mary Ngorima

These voices echo the core purpose of our work: to dismantle the barriers that silence individuals, and to build a municipality where everyone is seen, heard, and empowered.

By: Takavingei Mahachi