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Nduduzo Tshuma, [email protected]

BULAWAYO female councillors have lauded the city council’s partnership with various stakeholders to help capacitate them, especially on issues to do with mental health.

Recently, the Bulawayo City Council conducted a training workshop on mental health targeting the local authority’s female councillors.

The programme, conducted in conjunction with the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development, sought to help the councillors manage pressures that affect their work.

 

Chairperson of the Health, Housing and Education Committee Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo, who was part of the training programme, said it was of great importance as women face many challenges at work and at home among many other factors that affect their mental health.

She said the council’s gender focal person is in charge of such activities after making assessments on the gaps that need to be filled be it in terms of boosting their capacity.

“We face a lot of issues that affect our mental health so one of the greatest lessons from the training programme is mastering the art of distributing work and also finding safe spaces to avoid burnout,” said Cllr Khumalo.

In the future, she said they are trying to push for council resolutions that will see BCC leading programmes on mental health.

“There are programmes for workers and members of the community but I think we need to do more as we cascade the training to the people,” said Cllr Khumalo

“Even within political parties, we need such programmes because female politicians face a lot of challenges within the party systems that discourage them from taking up or vying for leadership positions.”

Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo said mental health is important as it has a direct bearing on performance.

“They taught us how to balance our lives given the different roles we play in society as women. At times female politicians get overwhelmed with many demands at work, in the home front and even their own personal lives and that negatively impacts on their performance in public office,” said Cllr Moyo.

“During the training, we were taught that we need to take a step back and find time for self so that we are not overwhelmed by pressure. We learnt that it is important to take a step and do some self-care, that way we will be able to rejuvenate.”

Deputy Mayor Cllr Edwin Ndlovu said such training programmes are important for female councillors.

“The gender focal person is in charge of these programmes and when they look for partners on behalf of the council to conduct some training from mental health and other issues,” he said.

“Mental health is a very important issue that must never be taken lightly.”

Award-winning journalist with vast experience in reporting on gender issues Robin Muchetu said such training can also help councillors assist vulnerable members in the communities, particularly women and children.

“Female councillors or politicians in general face unique mental health challenges related to balancing multiple roles, discrimination and in some cases gender based violence. Such programmes are important as they enhance their emotional resilience and leadership skills so that they effectively represent their constituents,” she said.

“The councillors can also lead open discussions on mental health in their respective communities and in the process eliminate stigma. What is important however is that the programmes extend to actually finding assistance for affected parties.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Nations has set aside October 10 as World Mental Health Day, to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

This year’s theme is, “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.”

“This World Mental Health Day, WHO is uniting with partners to highlight the vital connection between mental health and work. Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health.

“Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks, affecting mental health, overall quality of life and consequently participation or productivity at work. With 60% of the global population in work, urgent action is needed to ensure work prevents risks to mental health and protects and supports mental health at work,” said WHO in a statement.

The organisation said it is essential for governments, employers, the organisations which represent workers and employers, and other stakeholders responsible for workers’ health and safety to work together to improve mental health at work.

“Action to address mental health at work should be done with the meaningful involvement of workers and their representatives, and persons with lived experience of mental health conditions. By investing efforts and resources in evidence-based approaches and interventions at work, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive at work and in life. Let’s take action today for a healthier future,” said WHO.