The municipality of REDCLIFF achieved 50/50 gender parity after the recent elections and the swearing-in of Christine Sijuk to the council.
With six women and six men on the councils, it is the first local authority to reach the level of gender parity envisioned under President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic.
The Government introduced a 30 per cent women’s representation rate to increase women’s representation in local authorities, so the election of Councilor Sijuk means that Redcliffe Town Council now has equal representation of men and women.
Three female members were seconded to the Council through proportional representation to add to the nine elected Council members. Among the elected council members, there were only two women.
Cllr Sijoke of the ruling Zanu-PF party defeated opposition candidate Tini Szipa in the by-election held on 6 April, winning the Redcliffe 3 municipality by-election.
The seat became vacant after Mayor Clayton Masiatsva died in January after a brief illness.
The long-serving deputy mayor, Alderman Vincent Masiwa, was elected mayor, while Cllr Fortunat Makawa was elected deputy mayor.
Kwekwe District Development Coordinator, Mr. Fortune Mbongo, lauded the gender equality achievement, saying it was a milestone and urged councilors to fulfill their election promises.
“Redcliffe Municipality has achieved 50/50 gender parity and I congratulate them on this achievement. I believe they are the first local authority in Zimbabwe to achieve this achievement.
“It is indeed a huge achievement for the region in particular and for women in general. It is something that women should celebrate.”
“As I congratulate Councilwoman Sijauki today, I would like to remind her that the vote was not just for her alone, but for the good governance, continuity, growth and progress of the people who voted.
“I therefore urge you to pledge your utmost devotion to ensure that the trust and faith reposed in you are maintained in line with the call to action plan launched by President Mnangagwa last year,” Mr Mbongo said.
He challenged other councilors to carry their people along the path to achieving the city status envisioned by 2030.
“We all want good roads, clean water, better schools and better prospects for Redcliffe to become a city by 2030. Any councilor who does not carry their people is selfish and will be passed over for the greater good.
