By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) has called on their city council to be gender sensitive when providing basic social services.
Sections 17, 50and 80 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) of 2013 clearly states the rights of girls and women in a bid to enhance gender equality in the country.
In a press statement issued today MURRA said the city council is violating the rights of women.
“However, over the years the women’s constitutional rights are continuously being violated by Masvingo City Council through their deplorable service provision. Women in wards 1-7 do not have access to clean and safe water, proper sanitation and affordable healthcare despite paying high rates.
“Women in these areas are exposed to water borne diseases, dehumanizing treatment, unwanted pregnancies, gender based violence and the burden of unpaid labor.
“As they walk long distances in unholy hours of the night, the girl child is exposed to rape and promiscuous activities in search of favors. This further exposes them to sexually transmitted diseases.”
MURRA advised Masvingo City Council to follow the will of the people and do proper service delivery.
The required services include ;drilling more boreholes in every ward which are easily accessible by every household
Avail resources towards improvement and construction of healthcare facilities in each ward.
Set up a gender desk/office which is easily accessible to women to receive and address issues that affect women in the communities.
Repossess the water being diverted from Mucheke River in order to improve water supplies.
Follow a proper schedule in water rationing to ensure accessibility of the precious resource in all wards.
MURRA is rallying behind the fifth SGD that states that by 2030, member states should have achieved gender equality and empowered women.
