Chief Sikhobokhobo of Nkayi says rural women should be capacitated so that they become part of key decision-making bodies in their communities.
Speaking at a sports and arts festival hosted by Habakkuk Trust at Nesigwe Primary School as part of the International Day of Rural Women commemorations on Friday, the traditional leader said they have allowed women to be part of important decision-making structures like traditional courts.
“I want to applaud the good job that Habakkuk Trust has done, in our area we have worked out how to include women in our trials and there is no way you can understand how women live if you do not include them in the activities of the community,” said Chief Skhobokhobo.
Habakkuk Trust Programmes Manager Khumbulani Maphosa reiterated that women have many talents and skill sets that can promote development in their communities.
“We are here as an organisation after realising that women who live in rural areas have talents and wealth that they use to improve their livelihoods. We want to advise women to take part in all activities which include traditional courts and other local committees,” said Maphosa.
He added that traditional courts should not be a preserve for men.
“Women should be involved during trials as the government of Zimbabwe says women should be also given equal chances as men,” said Maphosa.
Habakkuk Trust Board Member Pastor Kenneth Chirimuta reiterated that man should not see the efforts to empower women as an attack on them but should uplift women and work together.
“As men we need to uplift women and help them in what they do, as men let us help them by encouraging and supporting them because we sit in meetings and committees were a lot is decided, may we not feel intimidated by their empowerment that we may feel less manly,” said Chirimuta.
The board member added that women empowerment is an advantage for men as it makes better homes and communities.
“Am happy that the chief has alluded that women will now sit in traditional courts and committee meetings and help in the decision-making process,” said Chirimuta.
