WCOZ, ZIMACE conducts public health awareness and advocacy training
Ibin Munsaka
Binga, Zimbabwe – Yesterday, 02 October 2024, the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ), in partnership with Zimbabwe Accountability and Citizen Engagement (ZIMACE), held a public health policy awareness-raising and local advocacy capacity-building training in Binga.
The event was aimed at raising awareness within the women’s movement about advocating for and influencing an accountable and effective health governance system at all levels.
The training was attended by the WCOZ secretariat, representatives from Government Departments such as the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MWACSMED), Ministry of Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training and NGOs including Zubo Trust and other stakeholders.
The training was facilitated by Knowledge Dingani from Mvhiringi and Associates Legal Practitioners, who stated that according to Section 76 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Government has the mandate to promote, protect, provide and fulfill women’s access to health services. He also explained the governance structure of the health sector enabling women to have an understanding on how the health system works.
During his session, Dingani encouraged women to familiarize themselves with Government offices that assist women. Furthermore, he said this knowledge would enhance their ability to advocate for quality health care services, address gender-specific health needs and hold duty bearers accountable.
Placidia Mawuto, Binga WCoZ Chapter chairperson shared her insights, noting that societal norms often place men above women due to their gender, which hinders women from participating in many facets of public office.
“Women fear participating in decision-making processes or taking high public positions due to their gender,” Mawuto stated.
She emphasized that empowered women can mobilize community action and foster partnerships with health care providers.
Another participant, Faith Kanka, pointed out that the mindset of waiting for men to provide for the family has let many women down by promoting dependency. She urged women to stand up and make their voices heard and to advocate for small income-generating projects, such as selling vegetables.
At the end of the training, Antony Ncube from Women Affairs encouraged participants to identify the challenges burdening women and to compile them into an action plan to be presented to duty bearers for redress.
The successful training, enlightened attendees, particularly women, on how to engage Government offices and partner organizations that support them. They were also encouraged to build on the knowledge and actively participate in shaping health policies and governance structures that affect their lives.
