Women receive free breast cancer screening and register to vote in Cowdray Park  

On Saturday, 23 October 2021, the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development in partnership with Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association and Island Hospice, conducted a breast cancer screening exercise for women in Cowdray park. In this exercise, residents who registered to vote received free breast cancer screening services from three female doctors. 

During the event, women received free Blood Pressure and height checks. 

Dr Mlalazi who provided training for women highlighted that women need to examine their breasts on a regular basis so that they are aware of any lumps that may develop. 

“When conducting self examination, you need to make sure that you thoroughly check your breasts for any existing lumps. If there are any lumps you need to visit a doctor so that you receive medical assistance from a healthcare professional,”  she said. 

Women also attended a  free Zumba session where they participated in health exercises which they can perform when at home to keep themselves active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Speaking during the breast cancer awareness outreach, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission District Elections Officer for Bulawayo Sithembiso Khupe highlighted that there is need for citizens to register to vote so that they safeguard their constituencies. 

“As citizens we should be worried and concerned if we are not registering to vote because this will mean Bulawayo may lose on constituencies if we fail to meet the required number of registered voters for a specific constituencies,” said Khupe. 

The exercise was conducted with an aim of decentralizing the voter registration process so as to increase the number of registered voters within the city ahead of the delimitation process which is set for next year. 

In an interview with Faith Bope one of the young women that registered to vote during the outreach programme, she highlighted that such initiatives  are welcome and should cascade to all communities. 

“I am so happy and delighted that I have registered to vote. I have waited for this opportunity for a long time. Right now I am 20 years old and I feel so proud that I have finally done my best in fulfilling my right to vote, “ she said. 

Bope said she intends to encourage other youths to register to vote.