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Kudakwashe Chidziya Manicaland Correspondent
WOMEN in Manicaland have been urged to engage in development initiatives as a way of embracing devolution in the province and promoting self-reliance.

Speaking at a Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe meeting on devolution last week, acting Manicaland provincial development coordinator (PDC) Mr Edgars Seenza said it was time women embraced development initiatives.

He said the role of women in development goals was vital and urged them to stop perceiving themselves as marginalised people.

“It is high time women start working together with other members of the community so as to create a harmonised society with one developmental goal. Continuous separation of men and women will result in potential conflict which will negatively impact development and hinder progress,” he said.

“Members of the society have to understand that under devolution, Zimbabwe remains a unitary state. There will be transfer of certain powers, authority and resources from centre to lower tiers of society.”

Mr Seenza said development initiatives which women are being encouraged to come up with will start at grassroots level.

He said development would start at lower levels as a way of enhancing inclusive participation.

“Devolution entails leadership from roots going upward. Women must also participate, not only in attendance but in decision-making as well. We want everyone to be taken on board regardless of gender. That is why we had called for women involvement.

“The development initiatives will pass through four clusters: the village, ward, district and provincial development committees. Local leaders are key and they shall be consulted on any development initiative,” he said.

Government has prioritised development under the devolution initiative which saw Manicaland receiving $43 million to be used towards development schemes.

Development priorities for special groups in Manicaland will be made thorough consultations with the traditional and local leadership.

Mr Seenza said the engagement with traditional and local leadership was important as it would help in coming up with detailed area of development needs.

“We can have the resources but we need specific areas which need urgent development and these areas can be identified by the community leaders themselves.

“Apart from engagement, people will develop a sense of ownership once they are consulted which will ensure collective ownership of development schemes as a way of guarding against vandalism, theft and other things which affect development,” he added.