NOEL IYOMBWA writes
GOVERNMENT has embarked on various reform processes that are supposed to improve service delivery in Zambia, says Lusaka Town Clerk Alex Mwansa.
Speaking during a gender mainstreaming local democracy workshop, Mr Mwansa said gender mainstreaming was no exception in the implementation of all earmarked development programmes.
He said gender mainstreaming sought to incorporate the vulnerable communities such as women ,children and people with disabilities and unable to influence decisions in their favour.
Mr Mwansa observed that there was need to engage communities in decision making and facilitate for local area planning that should be socially inclusive to promote gender equality.
“This possesses a challenge on Lusaka City Council to advance stakeholder participation in service provision that targets rural or peri-urban and urban areas,
“As a primary duty bearer ,Lusaka city council has a legal and moral mandate to respect, protect and ensure that gender mainstreaming is incorporated in all the process and procedures of the institution,” he said.
Mr Mwansa further said that gender mainstreaming would enhance local democracy and create a good platform for local area planning for equal partnership in development focusing more on results through effective delivery of services.
It would also make people understand the importance of the human rights-based approach.
