Zimbabwe: Tools, knowledge and networks required to strengthen democratic governance and promote gender equality at local level.

The first female Councillor to break the history of Zaka district in Masvingo after being elected in 2023 in a male dominated space, councillor Stella Shambira is serving her second term for ward 24 with resolve, dedication and the desire to leave lasting legacy within the governance structures of Zaka. She is a gender champion who represented her community in policymaking, budgeting, resource allocation, community engagement, advocacy and oversight. Stella has a deep understanding of the triple roles that women carry and she is driven to lead by example. 

 She noted that before she became a Councillor and a driver of change, her community faced deep-rooted gender inequalities. Women lagged behind in economic empowerment, they were excluded from decision-making and had limited access to land and credit. Looking back Stella recounted that there was widespread poverty, limited education opportunities for women and girls and poor access to health care and social services. Cases of gender based violence had been increasing at an alarming rate with around fifteen cases recorded every month. She stated that harmful cultural norms, patriarchy and discriminatory practices silenced women and placed them in subordinate roles. Because women were underrepresented in leadership and budgeting processes, their needs were not reflected in policies or development plans. 

Stella then identified other gaps that aimed at promoting equal rights and economic opportunities for all genders, to empower women and girls to participate in decision-making, to challenge harmful stereotypes, to engage the community in gender mainstreaming and to disseminate information on gender policies, gender budgeting and family laws.  

 Stella realised early that change would not come on its own and that the community needed to deliberate and engage strategic approach. She then initiated several interventions, women, girls and youths who were previously left behind would participate in development processes. She partnered with some local Non-Governmental Organisation called (Takunda) which was rolling out some training in value addition, horticulture, livestock production, detergent making and other economic activities. The NGO also provided machinery such as maputi guns, peanut butter machines, welding machines and Ngoda ovens, which enabled women to start and grow income-generating projects. Notable transformation was recorded by Budiriro Bakery in Zinguwo Village. Stella managed to mobilise a group of ten village women for a training in baking and they had graduated and had since established they own bakery which is supplying Zaka shops with fresh confectioneries using five Ngoda ovens. The bakery had become one of the leading symbols of women’s economic empowerment in the ward. 

 Cases of child marriages and gender-based violence had significantly decreased from fifteen cases a month to about five or fewer. This change was attributed to community education, campaigns, stronger partnerships with NGOs and government departments and the establishment of a One-Stop Centre that provided support to survivors of violence. She also facilitated the creation of a Community Volunteer group and Community Paralegals who helped with education, counselling, referrals and awareness-raising. As a result, community members are now better informed about their rights and available support systems. Youth involvement in economic activities had also reduced drug abuse cases from twenty per week to fewer than five. Women are participating actively in budget consultations and influenced decisions on development initiatives such as clinics, schools, solarized boreholes, gardens and market places. Committees that were previously male led have revolved to equal representation, were several women chairing in key portfolios.  

Councillor Stella noted that Village Business Units had helped boost local agriculture, food security and income generation. Community members are now producing and selling value-added products such as peanut butter, jam and coffee. She worked hard to promote and facilitate the solarisation of boreholes and encouraging residents to use solar energy which is fast transforming the rural environment into a semi-urban development. 

 Stella believes that for continued sustenance of developmental projects there is need to invest in leadership development promote mentorship for women, provide vocational training, promote access to finance and financial literacy programmes. She stressed the importance of community dialogues, awareness campaigns on the rights of women and girls and the engagement of men and boys in addressing harmful gender norms. Partnerships with government departments, civil society and the private sector were identified as essential for long-term empowerment. She also emphasised the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to keep programmes relevant and to guide future interventions. 

 Incredible changes were recorded and are visible throughout the community for example the women’s groups such as bakers, horticultural projects and value-addition entrepreneurs were generating income and supporting community development. Community gardens had strengthened food security, and value-added products were reducing waste while increasing earnings. The Community Paralegals were addressing social issues, advocating for gender equality and influencing policy changes. Women’s representation in decision-making positions had significantly increased, and both child marriages and gender-based violence had declined. Support from government departments, NGOs and the local authority continued to bolster these efforts. 

 Through collective efforts and the visionery leadership of Councillor Stella Shambira, Ward 24 had moved from less developed rural area into an thriving economic giant in Masvingo province. 

BY:  Stella Shambira