18/08/2026
Bulilima Rural District Council on 14 August 2026 hosted a gender sensitization training facilitated by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, bringing together council officials and stakeholders to strengthen understanding and implementation of gender equality and gender mainstreaming in local governance.
The training focused on the importance of gender mainstreaming in council planning, budgeting, and service delivery, ensuring that the needs of women, men, girls, and boys are considered equally in development programs. Participants also discussed gender sensitivity, gender equality and equity, gender-based violence, gender laws, and the protection of survivors, including the distinction between protection and peace orders.
The engagement further emphasized the need for local authorities to create inclusive, safe, and gender-responsive communities; promote equal participation in decision-making; challenge harmful gender stereotypes; and ensure that public services benefit all members of the community without discrimination.
The training reaffirmed the importance of empowering local authorities with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate gender considerations into everyday governance and development.