Art by Gareth Nyandoro – From the Open Studio event held in Athlone recently. Contact theeckximstudios [at] gmail [dot] com for more information.

From Lloyd in Harare:

Note that I sent you a FIX THIS PLEASE photo about an open ditch with water in it at the corner of Sam Nujoma (Second Street) and Downie Avenue in Belgravia, Harare. I highlighted in the email that if not closed there is a danger of vehicles falling into the ditch since its not covered or hedged off to vehicles.

On 30 May 2012 a vehicle nearly fell into the ditch when avoiding a commuter omnibus that cut it off. Find attached a photo of the vehicle. If authorities had done something this wouldn’t have happened.

May authorities do something about this please.

An open gender forum organized by UN Women last week, hosted Shamim Meer’s presentation on her research paper titled, ‘Struggles for Gender Equality: Reflections on the place of men and men’s organisation’. The presentation comes at a time where men are organizing themselves to support gender equality. Notably in Zimbabwe is Padare/Enkundleni and Varume Svinurayi/Vhukani Madoda. From the names these two organisations have chosen to use, it reflects much about their agenda in the women rights equality struggle. Shamim paper’s sought to really bring out the agendas of some of these men’s organisations in the struggle for gender equality and explore where men fit in women rights struggles.

Her major concern is that these formal structures being created by men give men a leading role in the struggle for gender equality of which that should not be the scenario – women should lead themselves. She gives a warning to say, “They are operating in a field where women are seen as subordinates and by making men key actors then you could be reinforcing the subordination.” Thus she argues for the separation of men from the women’s struggle. She also mentioned that the depoliticised understandings of gender as ‘men and women’ went further to strain donor relations with existing women’s organisations. As most women organisations are now being asked, ‘If you are working on gender, where are the men in your organisation?’

In her paper, Meers refers to this new idea of donors funding men as the ‘silver bullet’. In the paper she said, “Working with men from the donor’s point of view, could reduce costs to the health care system, and thus meet efficiency goals prioritized by development organisations. This seemed to be the new silver bullet, which would give ‘more bang for the buck!” To Meer the power that men have over women and the possibility that it may not be in men’s gender interests to transform gender relations or achieve greater equality were ignored. Thus clearly spelling out her debate.

It is from this background that she strongly puts out her belief that women need to take back the lead in the struggle. To support this statement she said, “… the oppressed in any system are best placed to lead their own struggle because they know the issues, their active leading challenges the notions on their lack of status and lack of ability.” Support for men in the struggle for gender equality is greatly appreciated but as Meer insisted it should not interfere with who gets to lead the struggle.

A little while ago we had the real pleasure of dropping in on the Open Studio Art Event in Athlone which featured artists like  Misheck Masamvu, Gareth Nyandoro, Aubrey Bango, Masimba Hwati, Tafadzwa Gwetai and others. There was such a good vibe with artists working in situ, as well as great entertainment and of course … The Art was amazing. Let’s hope there will be more of these creative artistic gatherings in Harare.

On the occasion of World Environment Day

Alliance Francaise
in partnership with
The Food and Agricultural Organization and
The Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe

request the pleasure of your company at the opening of

‘WHILE WE WAIT’
an exhibition of photographs by
ERIC GAUSS

and featuring a video work by
Nigel Hulett
on

Tuesday, 5th June, 2012 at 5.30.p.m.
at
gallery delta
‘Robert Paul’s Old House,’ 110 Livingstone Avenue and Ninth Street Greenwood Park
Tel/Fax +-263-4-792135 artdelta@mweb.co.zw

http://www.gallerydelta.com

Exhibition duration until 20th June