WILD Launches the Women Leaders Sounding Board
Loraine Phiri
On International Women’s Day, the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) #investedInHer by launching the Women Leaders’ Sounding Board (WLSB) at Bulawayo’s Holiday Inn. The WLSB, comprising 80 women from Bulawayo, Plumtree, Gwanda, and Lupane, aims to empower women to actively develop their communities by acting as a vital bridge between women and residents in their communities and local authorities.They will advocate for improved and gender-responsive service delivery ensuring that the needs of women and girls are truly addressed.
Speaking during the launch of the WLSB, WILD Board Member Prisca Dube congratulated the women for successfully being selected to be part of the board, highlighting WILD’s commitment to their development.
“We congratulate all of you for being selected to be part of WLSB. WILD is investing in you to enhance your capacities and empower you to be women that contribute towards development in your communities,” she stated.
Ms Dube underscored the importance of women’s involvement in local governance and highlighted the disproportionate impact poor service delivery has on women.
“Women’s participation in local governance processes is important in fostering gender-responsive policies and service delivery that truly addresses their needs-women often bear the brunt of poor service delivery. The WLSB will empower women to represent their communities, advocate for improved service delivery, and hold local authorities accountable
The Acting City of Bulawayo Senior Committees Officer, Mr Thando Sithole presented on the roles of Urban and Rural local authorities committees and the significant impact women’s participation can have. He acknowledged the historically low numbers of women involvement in local government, resulting in their voices being overlooked. Highlighting the immense impact that WLSB would contribute towards ensuring that service delivery by local authorities is responsive to women and girls’ needs.
The WLSB wasted no time in demonstrating their commitment. They immediately joined the International Women’s Day (IWD) commemorations, to advocate for the removal of barriers that hinder women’s progress and advancement. Their focus centered on removing the barriers and limitations that hinder women’s success.
Florence Magagula, emphasized, “It’s essential to recognize and address the barriers that impede gender equality. Only then can we create a more inclusive and equitable society that benefits everyone.”
Sukulohle Mhlanga, championed the inclusion of women with disabilities. “When we include the voices of women and girls with disabilities in decision-making processes,” she said, “we make our communities stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive.”
Patience Ngwenya, highlighted the broader societal impact of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). “GBV isn’t just a personal issue,” she stated. “It’s a social issue that affects us all. It’s rooted in power structures and inequalities that need to be addressed. Let’s work together to create a more equitable society where everyone is safe and respected.”
The launch of the Women Leaders’ Sounding Board signifies a promising step towards more inclusive and responsive service delivery in Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and North.