GENDER ACTION PLAN FOR LOCAL COUNCILS IN LERIBE DISTRICT

GENDER ACTION PLAN FOR LOCAL COUNCILS IN LERIBE DISTRICT 1

List of Acronyms AIDS CBO CC CCS CGPU CRS CSO DA DANIDA DC DCS DGO DMA DPU FIDA GL GMS GTZ HBCSG s IEC LCC LEC LPPA LRC MoACM MoGYSR MoHSW MoJHR MoLGC MoNR MoTEC MoTI MoTT NAC NAS NGO PEP PHELA RWS SADC TRC WAD WASA WFP WID WLSA WV Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Community Based Organisation Community Council Community Council Secretary Child & Gender Protection Unit Catholic Relief Services Civil Society Organisations District Administrator Danish International Development Agency District Council District Council Secretary District Gender Officer Disaster Management Authority District Planning Unit Federation of Women Lawyers Gender links Gender Management System German Technical Assistance Home Based Care Support Groups Independent Electoral Commission Lesotho Council of Churches Lesotho Electricity Cooperation Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association Lesotho Red Cross Ministry of Agriculture Cooperatives & Marketing Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation Ministry of Health & Social Welfare Ministry of Justice & Human Rights Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship Ministry of Natural Resources Ministry of Tourism, Environment & Culture Ministry of Trade & Industry Ministry of Traffic and Transport National AIDS Commission National AIDS Secretariat Non- Governmental Organization Post Exposure Prophylaxis PHELA Health and Development Communication Rural Water Supply Southern African Development Community Transformation Resource Centre Women and Development Water and Sewerage Authority World Food Programme Women In Development Women and Law in Southern Africa World Vision 2

Summary This action plan is the first of ten gender action plans to be developed by the Lesotho local authorities in an endeavour to mainstream gender into local government work. It is an end product of the gender action plan workshop that was held from the 25-27 August, 2008 at Pitseng, Leribe. This follows the launch of the study, At the Coalface, Gender and Local Government that took place on the 17 th September, 2007 at the National Convention Centre, Maseru. The study was launched by The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Mr Makalo Theko who emphasised in his official speech, the importance of recognising gender dynamics at all levels of governance. The study found out that at 58%, Lesotho has the highest proportion of women in local government in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). A key conclusion of the study was the more need to be done to systematically mainstream gender considerations into the work of local government including providing the necessary support to ensure an enabling environment within which women can participate effectively. Following the book launch, a gender strategy workshop was conducted at Thaba-Bosiu which brought together chairpersons, councillors and secretaries from district and community councils as well as district gender officers and officials from the Ministries of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation and Local Government and Chieftainship. The participants contributed remarkably in the development of gender strategy. The Deputy Principal Secretary of Local Government Mr Ntai Makoetje applauded efforts exerted by all stakeholders in promoting gender in the local government. These events were organised by Gender Links and Women and Law in Southern Africa in partnership with the District Councils and the two Ministries aforementioned. In November 2007 the district gender officers and a representative from the Ministry of Gender joined a Training of Trainers workshop that was held in Johannesburg South Africa. At this workshop participants adapted and developed the country specific training manual to be used to roll-out gender action plans in all districts of Lesotho. Background to the region Leribe is one the ten administrative regions of Lesotho and it constitutes an area of 2,828 km². It is located in the northwest site of the country and borders on the Free State Province of South Africa. Domestically, the district borders with Butha-Buthe, Berea, Mokhotlong and the Thaba-Tseka districts. According to the 2006 Lesotho Census of the Population and Housing-Preliminary Results Report, Leribe has an estimated population of 298,352 out of 1,880,661 overall national population. This constitutes 15.9% of the total population. The report shows that there are 145,683 (49%) males and 152,669 (51%) females in this area. Similarly to the other nine districts, Leribe is headed by the District Administrator and is divided into urban, semi-urban and rural peripheries. It has two camp towns known as Hlotse and Maputsoe. These towns host several government departments and are a major public service points. 3

The Map of Lesotho by Districts: Letter 3 represents the district of Leribe Economy The economic activities in this region are mainly subsistence farming and livestock rearing. The people of Leribe are privileged with vast, rich grazing lands in the higher altitudes. Like the rest of the country, Leribe relies on remittances from miners employed in South Africa despite the fact that a number of mine workers has declined steadily in the past several years. However, the garment production industry growth has created employment opportunities significantly in many the years. HIV and AIDS Lesotho is one of the countries struggling to cope with the HIV and AIDS in the region. More than 23 % of the population are HIV positive and there are over 110,000 AIDS orphans. In 2003, King Letsie III declared HIV and AIDS a national disaster and the government of Lesotho then introduced an innovative strategy called The Know your status campaign in 2004. The aim of the campaign was to increase HIV testing, raise awareness and reduce stigma for the whole population. By 2005, National AIDS Commission and National AIDS Secretariat were established to coordinate existing strategies for tackling the AIDS epidemic in the country. In addition, the National AIDS Policy and Strategic Plan for 2006-2011 were developed to guide efforts on AIDS. Considering that more than half of the country s population live in poverty, declining productivity as a result of HIV and AIDS remains a threat to the overall survival of the country. HIV has had a particular impact on women. According to the 2004 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey, Leribe has HIV prevalence of 29.7 % of which 30.6% are women and 28.3% are men. Local government The local government is comprised of 18 community councils whose chairpersons and deputies sit in the district council. The district council secretary provides administrative support in the district council while community council secretaries play a similar role within community councils. There are 206 local councillors in total, 109 of which are 4

women and 97 are men and as shown in the table below, women make up 52.9% of all local councillors in all community councils, this is 5% lower than the national figure of 58%. Percentage of women in the 18 community councils of Leribe Total number of No. of female No. of male Community Council & Code Councillors Councillors Councillors Limamarela C01 11 8 3 Mphorosane C02 11 5 6 Seshote C03 11 7 4 Matlameng C05 10 5 5 Pitseng C05 13 6 7 Motati C06 11 6 5 Fenyane C07 11 7 4 Serupane C08 11 8 3 Malaoaneng C09 11 8 3 Menkhoaneng C10 11 3 8 Maisa-Phoka C11 11 6 5 Sephokong C12 13 6 7 Linare C13 11 5 6 Litjotjela C14 13 7 6 Khomokhoana C15 11 8 3 Hleoheng C16 13 5 8 Manka C17 13 4 9 Tsoeli-Tsoeli C18 10 5 5 Total 206 109 97 Percentage of women councillors in the 18 community councils: 52.9% Source: The District Council, Leribe References: District Council, Leribe 2006 Lesotho Census of Population and Housing Preliminary Results Report 2002 Lesotho Core Welfare Indicators Questionnaire CWIQ National Survey 2004 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey www.state.govt/r/pa/ei/bgn/2831.htm 5

Priority Action Areas Short term (September 2008-February, 2009) Adoption and implementation Distribution of action plan among councils. Stakeholder meeting at a district level to ensure by-in and to strategise on the implementation process and sharing of responsibilities. Introduce the plan to all councillors in the next council meeting. Disseminate and popularize the Action Plan in the 18 constituencies. The District Council (DC) in collaboration with District Gender Officer (DGO) will coordinate adoption and implementation of the Action Plan as well as to make follow-ups. Gender Management Systems Establish the district gender steering committee that will be responsible for promoting and monitoring gender related programming. Governance Regularly encourage nomination and voting for women candidate into leadership positions within councils. Council sittings to be used as a platform for discussion on the same issue. Hold public gatherings (lipitso) to encourage women participation in politics. In this way, women may stand as candidates in large numbers in the next national and local government elections. Participation Conduct public meetings to mobilise men and create awareness on issues of gender equality. Develop and disseminate Sesotho information and material on gender equality. Gender Based Violence Localise and publicise The National Action Plan to end gender based violence. Organise campaigns and public gatherings on GBV to further create awareness and educate people on the impact of violence in society. 16 Days of Activism to end gender violence was identified as a starting point for full local government involvement. Organise marches during the 16 Days of Activism against GBV for continued public sensitization. Follow-up on reported cases of violence and gather sex disaggregated data. Raise awareness on the Sexual Offences Act and Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act so as to promote rights knowledge. Strengthen village policing to ensure public safety at danger points within localities. Procurement Dialogue with women councillors on starting self-reliance community projects. Conduct needs assessment for women and initiate social projects. 6

Health and environment Place garbage bins at critical public places. HIV and AIDS Prevention Adopt the National HIV and AIDS policy developed by NAC into the work of local councils. Transport Inclusive community dialogue on public transport safety. Register night transport services and issue operational permits. Medium -long term (February, 2009 onwards) Governance Conduct public gatherings on election campaigning. Participation Raise awareness on the importance of shared leadership responsibilities and lobby different political parties. Hold community dialogues on chieftaincy succession. Communication Training on communication and message creation. Gender Based Violence Train chiefs on capturing data on reported cases of violence. Advocate for a one stop service centre in the district. Establish a temporary shelter. Erect one counselling service point in every locality. Education Increase the number of pre-schools per locality. Safety and emergency services Train women groups on handling potential disasters. Business Support Hold public gatherings to encourage women to participate in the businesses. Training for women on finance and business management. Electricity Hold dialogues to negotiate installation rates for water and electricity for previous disadvantaged women. Install street lights at danger spots. 7

GENDER ACTION PLAN FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE DISTRICT OF LERIBE I. GOVERNANCE Representation To ensure that women are equally represented in council leadership positions To strengthen women s ability to compete in elections Participation To increase women s participation in political party leadership To empower female elected officials To empower men on gender issues and mobilise their support Encourage nomination and voting for women candidates Hold public meetings (lipitso) to encourage women s participation in politics Conduct public gatherings on election campaigning Raise awareness on the importance of shared leadership responsibilities Organise leadership training workshops Conduct public gatherings to create awareness Chairpersons (sittings used as platform) Council committees, local chiefs, DGO, political parties leadership DC, DGO, social services committees, WLSA, TRC, LCN MP s from the district, political party leadership, DC, DGO, TRC DGO,DCS,WLSA Social services committees, DCS, CC s, Women councillors are rarely voted into positions of leadership Women s political participation is largely recruiting and mobilising people throughout election campaigns There are ongoing programmes on election campaigns by TRC Political party leadership is male dominated No separate training for female councillors Resistance to issues of gender Equal representation of men and women in each of council Over 50% increase in the number of women participating at decision making structures within political parties More than 50% women to compete in the next National and local government elections Equal representation of men and women in the leadership of political parties 1 leadership training per community council 90% of men to understand and appreciate issues of Sept. 2008 -Ongoing 2008-2010 2009-2010 2009-2010 2009-2010 2008-2010 8

To increase the number of women chiefs (spouses and or mothers to heirs) Public participation To promote equal participation by men and women in social development issues To empower women councillors To educate and assure men that issues of gender equality are not a threat Communication To ensure that council publications do not perpetuate gender stereotypes gender Hold community Community No women Law reform on chieftaincy dialogue on councils, DGO, local successors succession succession chiefs, department of chieftainship Organise campaigns and public gatherings on GBV Capacity building workshops on leadership and communication skills Sensitise the public and disseminate information on gender Training on communication and messaging II. GENDER SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES Gender Based Violence To develop stakeholder Localise and strategies for an publicise The effective collaboration National Plan of DC, community councils, HBCSG, CGPU DGO,DCS,WLSA CC s, DGO, WLSA, FIDA Director at the department of gender, WLSA, GEMSA DC, DGO, community councils, CGPU Need to capacitate women councillors Misinformation about issues of gender equality Issues of gender are misrepresented The plan not yet public Public interest to participate in social development issues Capacity building workshop for women councillors Change of attitudes on gender issues at village level 2009-2012 2008-2010 2009-2012 2009-2012 Gender sensitive materials 2009 ongoing Adoption of the plan by stakeholders Oct. 2008 9

To educate communities on gender violence which is rooted in unequal power relations and is hidden despite being one of the major challenges facing councils To obtain reliable statistics on gender based violence To educate police, teachers, pastors and chiefs on GBV To make it easy for women to report Action on gender violence Follow-up on reported cases of violence Training of services providers for improved service Raise awareness on issues of violence Raise awareness on the Sexual Offences Act and Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act Organise marches during the 16 Days of Activism for sensitization Train chiefs on data capturing of GBV cases Hold awareness workshops Advocate for a one stop service centre DCS, CC s, local chiefs, HBCSG CGPU DC, DGO, WLSA, PHELA DGO, CGPU, WLSA, FIDA DC, community councils, CGPU, CBO s DC, DGO, WLSA, PHELA DC, DGO, WLSA, PHELA DC, DGO, CGPU, community health Poor follow-up Lack of documented data on GBV Poor service delivery by some police officials Lack of information by perpetrators and victims of violence No statistical data on GBV at village level Schools, police, chiefs and churches less targeted Victims of GVB moved from pillar to Sex disaggregated data on GBV Documented GBV data 2009 2008-2009 Locally arranged activities during the 16 Days of Activism against GBV Publicity of both the Acts 2008-2009 Organised marches at district and local level Statistics to be obtained first hand from village chiefs Active involvement of this sectors One stop service centre Oct. 2008 2009 - ongoing 2009 10

violence in the district workers, CBO s, post To ensure safety in the Strengthen village Social services Safer streets especially for villages esp. in the dark policing committees, police factory workers night services To establish places of safety for victims of violence To establish counselling service points for victims of violence To provide information on where survivors of GBV can get help Education To ensure that child care facilities are affordable and accessible so that women are free to participate in economic activities Set up a temporary shelter Erect 1 counselling service point in every locality Develop and disseminate Sesotho information provision material Increase the number of preschools per locality III. GENDER IN EXISTING PROGRAMMES Safety and emergency services To decrease the number of people affected by disasters Inform and educate women and the general public health health DC, DGO, department of health education Social services committees, DMA, LRC ongoing No shelter available temporary shelter 2009-2015 Few counselling points at government health centres -Ongoing council trainings convened by DMA -Over 186 people received First Aid New counselling points 2009-2015 Developed material 2008- ongoing New pre-school per locality 2009-2013 2009-2012. M16, 000 per council 11

To raise awareness on potential disasters To facilitate equal employment opportunities because women are disproportionately affected by high levels of unemployment Procurement To ensure that women benefit equally from the procurement process which they have historically been excluded from To develop gender incorporated programmes in the fight against poverty and it s impact on women training Train women DC, DMA, LRC Ongoing training Trainings conducted 2009 - groups 2015 Conduct needs DC, DPU Assessment report 2008-2015 assessment and initiate social projects Capacity building trainings Dialogue with women councillors on self-reliance community projects Conduct business trainings finance and planning, DC, community councils, department of agriculture trade and industry, economic empowerment officer- dept. of gender Lack of involvement by women in the procurement process Few community projects Ongoing community dialogue on the needs of the youth btw 18-35 yrs undertook by the Ministry of gender Equally access to benefits in the procurement process Gender incorporated programmes Trainings conducted Sep. 2008-2009 M 8,000 per council 12

Business Support To promote women s participation in the business sector where they are poorly represented To empower women with business skills To provide support and equal opportunities in access to markets Land allocation To ensure nondiscriminatory processes in the land allocation Transport To ensure safety of public transport and cater for transport needs of women and children Public gatherings to encourage women to participate in business Trainings for women on finance and business management skills Dialogue on creating access to markets Public sensitisation on the right to land ownership Community dialogue on public transport safety Water and sewage system To ensure that women Dialogue with most affected by lack of service providers water, get the priority in receiving services at trade and industry Department of trade and industry, department of finance and planning trade and industry, local businesses DC, land allocation committees DC, public transport associations, department of traffic DC, social services committees, WASA Department of trade in dialogue with businesses in varies localities Ministry of trade and industry has plans under way Legal capacity of Married Persons Act supports land acquisition by women No clear standard procedures in ensuring safety in the public transport sector Lack of water supply in many localities More women led businesses 2009 Trainings conducted 2009-2012 Agreement on how to enable market opportunities Increased requests for plots Agreement on safety standards Supply of water system at reduced rates 2008 2009 2008 2009-2015 13

reduced rates Electricity To ensure that women most affected by lack of electricity get supply at reduced rates Dialogue to negotiate installation rates for women previous disadvantaged Health and environment To ensure that women Sensitise contribute greatly in communities on issues of health and health and environment environment Place garbage bins at critical public places energy and natural resources, LEC tourism, environment and culture, department of health health Electricity not accessible in many localities On going public gatherings Other local councils have started within villages Electricity supply at reduced rates Communities sensitised Bins available per village 2009-2015 Ongoing Health HIV and AIDS Prevention To ensure access to Train HBCSG s and primary health care and village health services workers Strategise on HIV and AIDS prevention measures within communities Adopt National HIV and AIDS policy Train men on prevention and Department of health DC, community councils LPPA, department of gender Village health workers under training National HIV and AIDS policy not adopted NAC has allocated money for HIV and Quality health care and services at primary level Education on improved health care Adoption of HIV and AIDS policy Public knowledge and interest in issues of HIV Immediately 14

Educate women and victims of sexual violence on Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Educate men and women on voluntary testing and counselling of HIV and AIDS the importance of AIDS projects and AIDS testing Create awareness DC, DGO, Ongoing PEP High demand in PEP during GBV department of programme by CRS services Campaigns health, WLSA, LPPA, CRS Public gatherings health IV. EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AND ENVIRONMENT Working conditions To increase representation of women employed in council Public dialogues to encourage men to support their spouses councils To promote gender equality in the work environment To ensure safety of women working during night shifts Hold dialogue with employment sectors Install streets lights along main roads Register transport services operating at night hours Advocate for police toll-free number DCS, DGO, DC committee, community labour, private sector Lack of equality policy in many sectors Increased knowledge Spousal support to women councillors Agreement on equality guidelines in the employment processes 2009-2012 DC, DPU Unsafe streets Street lights installed 2009-2013 Department of transport, public transport associations DC, police services Night transport services not regulated Toll-free number available in the capital town only Legal permits to operate at night Toll-free number at police services, Leribe 2009 M 80,000.00 Oct. 2008 2008 15

V. GENDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS To form district gender Organise a DC,DGO, DCS, No gender steering District gender committee Oct. 2008 steering committee meeting btw DC CC s, community committee To adopt and implement campaigns on ending GBV VI. GENDER ING To develop gender budgeting policy To establish gender working committees representing councils from the same locality and stakeholders Organise activities during campaigns against violence Develop the gender budgeting guidelines Regular meeting for assessment of budgets Select gender working committee councils DC,DGO, DCS, CC s, community councils DPU, DC, DCS DCS, DC, DPU, Local councils not active Budgets not gender sensitive No budget assessment meetings Community councils No gender committees at local council level Adopt and implement the National Plan of Action to end violence Sex disaggregated data to guide budgeting process Monthly reports on status of funds Committees responsible for gender sensitive planning in each locality 2008 2008 M 30 000.00 2008- ongoing Nov. 2008 M 40 000.00 16