The Sunday News
Valencia Ndhlovu and Clementine Phulu, Sunday News Reporters
LIONS Club International yesterday hosted its fourth family and women’s symposium in Bulawayo where discussions centred around upholding the dignity of women and the girl child, as well as the need to strengthen the family institution.
The event was about raising awareness on issues to do with gender-based violence since the month of March has been set aside as women’s month. The International Association of Lions Club is an international service organisation whose mission is to empower Lions Clubs, volunteers, and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally and encourage peace and international understanding. The district chairperson for the marketing district Ms Linda Matowa-Chakuma said they were tackling family issues through the symposium.
“The event had to do with families and women and the issues that affect them. It was, however, open for everyone including men.”
The event was attended by people from as far as Harare, Karoi, and Bulawayo.
“We wanted to achieve within our societies a situation where women excel and know that they can do better and reach equity within society if we embrace the girl child as a society. We also want people to know that the Lions Club is there to assist in society as our main goal is charity,” she said.
South Western Region Gender Network (SWRGN) national co-ordinator Ms Chele Nyathi said women should occupy spaces and never look down upon themselves.
“Women need to get out of that constrained environment, get exposed, meet with other women, get mentored and know more about what is happening around them. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that women engage because they are a lot of programmes that are offered. As we are from commemorating International Women’s Day a lot of messages have been shared but women are still lagging behind, maybe it is because of the way they were socialised,” she added.
