Community consultations are crucial in fostering inclusivity in transforming rural areas regarding addressing gender equality globally. Historically, rural communities are rooted in cultural norms, which in most scenarios leads to women being discriminated against in decision-making. These scenarios are common in developing countries where rural societies constitute a significant portion of the population. Recognising the local participation dynamics is important for effective development initiatives. The rural communities are confronted by different problems that include poverty and limited access to education and health services, which are further worsening gender disparities. Women in rural areas contribute much to agriculture, making them the backbone, but they often experience barriers threatening their economic empowerment and decision-making capabilities. It is noteworthy to integrate community engagement strategies that prioritise gender equality to spark transformative change and support the quality of life for all community members.
I hold that consulting communities in rural areas make transformation easy, thereby reducing and increasing acceptability. Consultations serve to tailor development programs to the specific needs and aspirations of the local population (Sizani, 2017). Participatory approaches in Zimbabwe can address historical inequalities and promote ownership among community members, particularly women, who are marginalised in different socio-economic contexts. Encouraging transformation in rural communities and gender equality strengthens social cohesion, steering a more resilient community.
Citizen participation empowers the voices of marginalised communities, particularly women, where patriarchal norms often stifle women's participation. Although the involvement of women in rural development is said to promote gender equality, gaps still exist towards the implementation of strategies that promote gender equality. This has caused development projects to fail to sufficiently encompass local communities, including women, in the planning and implementation of initiatives that directly affect their lives. This separate results in vain policies and limited effect on the ground. There is a need to critically scrutinise the effect of community consultation towards transforming rural communities and ensuring gender equality. The aim is to propose actionable recommendations for improving community participation in rural development initiatives.
Community structures in rural areas
The leadership structure in rural areas is similar in Africa, where traditional leaders have influence in decision-making. Traditional leaders in Zimbabwe play a deeply intertwined role in the government’s socio-political landscape, notably concerning gender inequality. The model of traditional leadership is rooted in patriarchal norms, contributing largely to perpetuating gender disparities, for example in rural areas where customary laws prevail (Ntlama, 2020). Thus, traditional leaders are still maintaining practices that discriminate against women on matters of land ownership, decision-making, and access to resources. This highlights the systemic difficulties women face, including limited representation in policies and leadership concerning rural development. The Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe promotes gender equality; however, traditional leaders marginalise women in decision-making, which is crucial for development, for example, agricultural productivity and economic empowerment. This has exacerbated women's poverty due to a lack of support systems. The perception that traditional leaders are that males are heirs reinforces gendered norms, leading to women's rights to participate in decision-making being restricted (Sesanti, 2016). This discrimination impacts women's economic independence and limits their access to basic needs, such as food, often tied to land ownership and agricultural viability.
The issue of gender equality and inclusive community engagement is supported by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the argument is that development should be supported by all parties living in a community regardless of gender. The Goal 5 (SDGs) emphasises gender and the need to eliminate forms of discrimination against women and girls. According to UN Women (2020), community engagement improves gender equality and also enhances the effectiveness of development interventions. Intervention programs that have managed to integrate gender views into community engagement have successfully achieved targeted objectives concerning economic development and social cohesion.
African women’s voices are not heard and valued in community planning processes, making it difficult for development programs to meet the desired outcomes. These findings call for more targeted interventions tailored to address factors affecting participation in rural areas. The success of such programs requires capacity-building programs towards empowering women leaders to promote their participation in local governance. This is important in dismantling the structural inequalities that are perpetuating gender inequalities in rural Zimbabwe.
Proposed initiatives to increase women participation
Women’s Leadership Training Programs-It is crucial to introduce training programs tailored for women to increase their participation in community decision-making processes. The purpose of this training should focus on improving skills such as public speaking, negotiation, and strategic planning. This would improve women's confidence, crucial in improving leadership roles and fostering a new generation of female leaders in communities. This can be achieved by collaborating with local NGOs and educational institutions to facilitate workshops and mentorship opportunities. This will ensure women have access to role models and practical guidance. This initiative not only empowers women but also enriches community governance by incorporating diverse perspectives.
Gender-Sensitive Agricultural Cooperatives-It is important to establish gender-sensitive agricultural cooperatives that provide women with economic opportunities. Such cooperatives will facilitate access to land, credit, and training, designed to meet the needs of women farmers. This will create an inclusive environment where women can share knowledge and resources, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity while empowering women economically.
Strengthen legal frameworks supporting gender equality- Policymakers need to focus on strengthening legal frameworks that protect women’s rights in the context of traditional governance. This involves promoting laws that emphasise gender equality within traditional communities and encouraging compliance among traditional leaders.
Facilitate Dialogue Between Traditional Leaders and Gender Advocacy Groups: There is a need to establish platforms for dialogue between traditional leaders and gender advocacy organisations to facilitate mutual understanding and collaboration. This can assist in bridging gaps in perspectives, ensuring more effective initiatives to promote gender equality within traditional governance structures.
Promote Gender-Sensitive Policies—that is encouraging for participating in gender analysis in community development projects to guarantee that women's needs are addressed.
Strengthen Local Governance: It is important to increase transparency and accountability of local governance structures to nurture trust and support broader community participation.
Engage Men as Allies—this involves developing community awareness campaigns engaging men in discussions on gender equality and encouraging supportive attitudes concerning women's participation.
References
Ntlama, N.P. (2020). The Changing Identity on Succession to Chieftaincy in the Institution of Traditional Leadership: Mphephu v Mphephu-Ramabulana (948/17) ZASCA 58. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 23, 1-25.
Nyakudya, P. (2022). Women’s Leadership in Rural Development: A Case for Capacity Building. Rural Development Journal, 14(2): 77-90.
Sesanti, S. (2016). African Philosophy for African Women’s Leadership: An Urgent Project for the African Renaissance. Africology: The Journal of Pan African Studies, 9(9): 94–107
Sizani, R. (2017). Are powers and functions of leaders sufficient, in a republican and democratic dispensation, especially in its current character? If not, what needs to be done? Presentation at the Traditional Leaders Indaba, 28 May–02 June. Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
UN Women. (2020). Gender Equality and Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from UN Women.
CHAMUNORWA HUNI