As local councils in Zimbabwe incorporate gender-responsive budgeting into their masterplans, residents are wondering if this will improve their daily lives.
In a ground-breaking move, local authorities were directed by government to integrate gender-responsive budgeting into their master plans. This innovative approach prioritizes the diverse needs of all community members, ensuring equitable resource allocation.
Tanaka, a 40-year-old vendor from Amaveni in Kwekwe has spoken out about her struggles to pay her water bill, highlighting the challenges faced by many informal traders in the city. She also expressed frustration at the constant threat of illicit fines for selling from un-designated points. “I’ve had to pay fines more times than I can count, just to avoid being chased away. It’s a never-ending cycle of fear and debt.” The vendor’s plight highlights the need for a review of council policies and the need to support informal traders, who are a vital part of the city’s economy.
According to Priscilla Maposa, Gender Links Zimbabwe and Regional Programmes Director, “by adopting gender-responsive budgeting, local authorities can bridge the gender gap, amplify citizen engagement, enhance service delivery, and foster transparency and accountability. This approach is crucial for sustainable development and inclusive growth.”
A masterplan outlines the council’s vision for the community, serving as a roadmap for development and service provision. Residents like Takunda Tsanga hope the masterplan addresses daily issues like refuse collection, water supply, and infrastructure development. “We are tired of being overtaxed yet service delivery is poor. These masterplans and gender budgets better be pro-poor.”
Women’s groups are urging the government to prioritize education in the 2024 budget, calling for free primary and secondary education to keep girls in school and prevent early marriages. They also want the government to address the 2800-school deficit by building 100 schools annually, with inclusive facilities for children with disabilities. Adequate resources for vulnerable children under the BEAM program are also demanded. Kwekwe City Council in its draft masterplan highlighted the need for more Council schools.” We intend to build new schools and upgrade existing ones. Increase student capacity and improve teacher-to-student ratios and introduce vocational training programs,” reads part of the document.
Kwekwe City’s draft masterplan touches on a number of issues. For one, it aims to address the issue of informal settlements in Kwekwe. Council notes that these settlements often lack basic services and infrastructure, leading to poor living conditions and increased vulnerability for residents. “Regularising land tenure, improving infrastructure, and providing basic services to informal settlements are crucial steps towards addressing this issue,” reads part of the document.
Other residents are wondering what these masterplans are all about. “I think a masterplan is a document that outlines the council’s vision for our community,” said Zvidzai Dube, a local resident. “It guides council on how to allocate land for specific purposes.” But others are less sure. “To be honest, I’m not really sure what a masterplan is. I’m only hearing that from you,” said John Size, a vendor in the area.
Takunda Dube, a resident of Mbizo, hopes that the Kwekwe masterplan will address issues like refuse collection, water supply, and infrastructure development. “These are the things that affect us daily,” he said. “I hope the masterplan will bring some real solutions to these problems.”
Kwekwe Mayor, Councilor Albert Zinhanga explains that a masterplan is an overall land use planning document that constitutes policies and strategies regarding how land should be used and how developments should occur. “It’s a guiding document that helps us make decisions about how to allocate resources and prioritize projects,” he said.
But what about gender-responsive budgeting? How does that fit into the masterplan? “It’s about making sure that our budget allocations are fair and equitable for all genders,” said Mayor Zinhanga. “We want to make sure that our services and programs are meeting the needs of everyone in our community. Everyone has to be given priority.”
He added that Kwekwe City council is among those councils that have more women in management and middle management positions and they intend to surpass current statistics. The council’s mandate is to approach any challenge with a gender lens, as they believe that’s the only way they can progress.
As the council moves forward with its masterplan, residents are encouraged to get involved and make their voices heard. “This is our community, and we should have a say in how it’s developed,” said Rutendo Daka.
In the SADC region, countries like South Africa and Tanzania have made significant strides in gender-responsive budgeting. South Africa’s 2022 budget allocated 47.6% of its total expenditure towards gender equality initiatives, while Tanzania’s 2022 budget allocated 34.6% towards gender-responsive programs.
Relevant laws supporting gender-responsive budgeting and masterplanning in Zimbabwe include the constitution (2013), Section 17, which promotes gender equality. Other countries in the region have also been moving in this trajectory. South Africa’s Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (2000) requires municipalities to adopt gender-sensitive budgets, while Tanzania’s Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act (1982) mandates urban authorities to consider gender equality in planning and budgeting.
Statistics show that gender-responsive budgeting has positively impacted communities. In Mozambique, gender-responsive budgeting led to a 25% increase in women’s access to clean water and sanitation. In Zambia, gender-responsive budgeting resulted in a 30% increase in women’s participation in local governance.