Participatory methods and championing gender equality in rural economies

ILO NEWS (Harare) : Mariangels Fortuny (Rural Economy Coordinator from ILO Sectoral Policies Department) cited the importance of tackling poverty in rural areas, while placing emphasis on diversification. During a session in which she presented sixteen (16) policy guidance notes on rural development, she underlined the importance of increasing the voice of rural people through organisation and promotion of rights and dialogue.

Some examples were shared where a variety of participatory rural development processes have been used.

Sharon Chitambo, the ILO Programme Officer for Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, stated that a significant number of policies were developed using a top down approach. This has since changed to a bottom up approach – the participatory approach. She added that from the onset of policy development by government, stakeholder involvement and consultations are important. These, she said, must also include consultations with political parties. Ms Chitambo said:

“It is costly to carry out consultations so that the outcome is informed and inclusive. People should define priorities and should be central to regional level conversations”.

In Zimbabwe, as a response to empowering disadvantaged rural women, a UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality has seen its focus on ‘gender transformation’ bear fruits. The District Administrator for Murehwa District, Maxwell Mabhuro narrated how the programme has been organised and structured to benefit especially women and men at a local level:

“All departments having something to do with women and gender equality issues, meet and share ideas with these stakeholders. They have all received training on gender, so as to understand how to work together with communities and this has resulted in support from various community sectors, which makes it easier for programme implementation and future sustainability. We insist that all committees at district, ward and village level have both male and female representation at leadership and member levels”.

Mabhuro, a determined male champion, has made it his personal goal to bring in more men and further the cause of gender equality in Murehwa.
Echoing the same sentiments was Sabhuku (Village Head) Madamombe, who proudly declared himself a male champion seeking to ensure equality of men and women in Madamombe Village. Madamombe pointed out that the project is not without challenges particularly regarding changes to traditional culture but he remains encouraged in seeing communities in Murehwa uplifting and empowering women.

“Transformation should start from a young age. Children must grow up knowing it is not a matter of gender, but a matter of ability. If you empower a women, you have empowered a nation” said Madamombe.”

Pondai Kamhande, who has benefitted from the inclusion of spouses of the JPGE beneficiaries in training sessions on gender equality and transformational leadership has observed relations with his spouse and interaction with fellow community members improve. He declared that it is no longer a point of shame for him to prepare meals for his young children when his wife, Tarisai Gumbo, is taking part in project activities. And if he ever gets money to buy toys for his children, he will ensure that his choice of toys will not emphasise the male/female roles that hamper the girl child from defining herself as she develops.

For a seemingly simple looking rural woman, Tarisai surprised the meeting when she shared some of the skills that she has since learnt through the programme. These Include market research, business proposal writing and recording keeping, she added:

“The men teach women how to operate heavy machinery and equipment. There are no longer ‘men’s or ‘women’s’ tasks at the project site. The programme has empowered us. This programme has given us hope for a better future”.

These discussions fed into the on-going rural economy Knowledge Sharing Forum.