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Residents' Voices - Issue 66
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA)
November 24, 2011

Residents irked by politicization of 16 Days of Activism commemorations

Bulawayo residents have said they feel that the preparations for 16 days of activism against gender based violence national launch on 25 November 2011 are highly politicized. This disadvantages stakeholders that will lose the opportunity to share and gain views on how to effectively fight gender based violence in their communities and homes. The event is supposed to be coordinated jointly by government and women's organisations, however, state representatives imposed a new theme different from the international one. The international theme is "From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let's Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women!" and the national one is "From peace in the home to peace in our nation; let's challenge all forms of gender-based violence". According to an official from the Ministry of Women's affairs, Gender and Community Development, the change was made on the grounds that there is no militarism in Zimbabwe. However many residents have bemoaned this move saying a lot of gender based violence has been increasingly taking place outside the home and linked to political violence, police and military brutality. Residents question how a government formed as a result of violence inflicted by state security forces on political party members and civilians claim that there is no militarism in the country. Some have also said that the theme does not say it is for countries that have militarism, but for those that are committed to fighting militarism and violence against women wherever it may occur in the world.

BPRA to commemorate World Aids Day

BPRA will be commemorating World AIDS Day on Friday 2 December 2011 at Sekusile Shopping Center in Nkulumane from 9am to 1pm. The ceremony is to help in the attainment of Millennium Development Goal 6 of combating HIV/AIDS. The day marks one of the most visible opportunities for BPRA and its partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in high prevalence areas. On the day, there shall be free testing and counseling for all interested residents courtesy of Matabeleland Aids Council (MAC).

Elderly residents neglected by social service providers

Elderly residents from various wards across Bulawayo have passed complaints over how there are few governmental and non-governmental organisations that seek to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of the elderly populace. Residents have stated that there is need for institutions that cater for those afflicted with poverty, perceived social injustices and other human rights violations. Most senior citizens do not receive any form of remuneration from the government or other former employers and have to depend on hand outs from fellow well-wishers. This denigrates efforts towards poverty alleviation in communities. Residents, therefore, call on the responsible authorities to take up their responsibilities and ensure that the needs of the elderly residents are met.

BPRA activities for the weekend (26 and 27 November 2011)

The association will hold six consultative meetings over the coming weekend. The meetings are aimed at assessing the state of service delivery in Bulawayo. Residents are awarded the opportunity to say how they rate various service providers and also state what improvements they expect during the next year. The meetings are part of the association's efforts to foster and promote community participation. Essentially if residents closely monitor service providers they will in turn be forced to carry out their responsibilities in a transparent and accountable manner.

Below is a table of this week's consultative meetings:

Visit the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association fact sheet

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