Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) conducted an edition of In Her Own Voice Radio Program at Skyz Metro FM, this morning. Present for the radio program was Bulawayo Ward 1 Councillor, Mlandu Ncube, Khethiwe Tshuma and Thubelihle Mafu, WILD Programs Officer.
The aim of the radio program sought to shed light on the participation of young women and how it imparts on their access to equitable services within their communities. It was revealed that young women are not keen in taking an active role in matters of governance and associate with the elderly.
In the recently ended Council Supplementary Budget Meetings that were held across the 29 Wards in Bulawayo, a low turnout of young women was recorded as a majority of residents comprised of the elderly.
“There is more that needs to be done so as to enhance the participation of young women, as decisions that affect them are left at the hands of the few who would have availed themselves to community meetings,” said Khethiwe Tshuma, a resident from Entumbane.
Young women interact better through online platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter as opposed to attending community meetings.
“I have noticed from our WhatsApp group chat with young people how they have a habit of distancing themselves from group discussions,” said Councilor Mlandu Ncube. “Youths are only active whenever they are faced with a challenge such as a burst of a sewer pipe or maybe a sudden water cut.”
Thubelihle Mafu, a Programmes Officer at Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) outlined some of the initiatives aimed at improving young women’s participation through undergoing trainings that specifically address their plight of poor involvement in governance processes.
Mafu encouraged young women to take an active role in advocating against injustices in the adequate provision to service delivery.
Source: Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD)
