City of Harare has pledged to implement sweeping gender reforms aimed at creating a safer, more inclusive and equitable workplace, with authorities calling for the dismantling of structural barriers that continue to limit women’s advancement in local government.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop on Female Leadership, Gender Mainstreaming and Institutional Excellence hosted by the City’s School of Excellence last week, Harare City Deputy Mayor, Councilor Rosemary Muronda said gender equality must move beyond policy statements and become central to municipal governance and service delivery.
Addressing councillors, government officials, development partners and women leaders, Muronda said the City would review its human resource policies, operational systems and administrative procedures to eliminate biases that contribute to the underrepresentation of women in technical, engineering, urban planning and executive leadership positions.
Muronda also said every municipal department would be expected to embrace Gender-Responsive Budgeting, ensuring public resources address the specific needs of women within the workforce and the communities they serve.
She added that gender equity should be reflected in procurement opportunities, budget allocations and capital expenditure.
Muronda also announced a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, sexual harassment and workplace intimidation, while calling for confidential reporting systems and psychologically safe working environments that enable women to lead without fear of victimisation.
The City also plans to strengthen workplace wellness through policies supporting maternal care, nursing mothers, flexible work arrangements, mental health services and initiatives to prevent burnout among female employees.
To improve women’s participation in governance, the City will introduce a fast-tracked capacity-building programme for female councillors focusing on gender-responsive lawmaking, municipal budgeting, audit compliance and sustainable urban development. The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration between elected leaders and technical staff to improve service delivery.
The Deputy Mayor urged participants to develop practical action plans that would transform Harare into an inclusive, safe and world-class capital, while calling on male leaders to become active partners in eliminating systemic bias across the municipality.
