Intimidation, violence drive women away from Zimbabwe politics

By Problem Masau,  HARARE Zimbabwe

Political intimidation and violence have been cited as some of the major reasons behind women’s reluctance to take up political leadership positions, with only 11% participating in this year’s general elections.

While women constitute the majority of the country’s population, United Zimbabwe Alliance leader Elisabeth Valerio is the only female presidential aspirant out of 11 males.

While women constitute the majority of the country’s population, United Zimbabwe Alliance leader Elisabeth Valerio is the only female presidential aspirant out of 11 males.

In the 2018 polls, there were a record four female candidates for the presidency.

According to the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence, when candidate registration closed, the biggest political parties had fielded less than 12% women candidates each for the National Assembly.

For the National Assembly, there are 70 women candidates against 637 men in 210 constituencies.

This represents 11% of candidates, down from 14% in 2018.

Speaking at a Press conference in Harare recently, Citizens Coalition for Change spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said the country’s hostile political environment was deterring women from actively participating in politics.

“We would have loved to see more women participating in leadership positions but sadly violence, harassment and intimidation are forcing women to shy away,” Mahere said.

“We must create a safe and inclusive environment where women can participate, express their ideas and contribute to the development of our nation. Let us break these barriers and empower women to take their place in shaping the future of Zimbabwe.”

After failing to contest in the presidential election, Labour Economists Afrikan Democrats president Linda Masarira said the country’s political environment favoured men.

“As an advocate for gender equality, I am determined to challenge the patriarchal norms that persist in Zimbabwe’s political landscape. It is high time we dismantle the barriers that favour men.

“Let us empower women to rise, amplify their voices, and reshape our political environment to truly reflect the diversity and strength of our nation,” Masarira said.

Section 17 of the Constitution, however, states that the country must promote full gender balance and the full participation of women in all spheres of Zimbabwean society based on equality with men.

In a statement, Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD), said low women participation would further push women to the periphery of development.

“It leaves women on the margins of decision-making, which is also detrimental to democracy and the reduction of the pervasive gender inequality gap.

“It also means women’s concerns in issues of opportunities, public resource management and service delivery will not be prioritised,” WILD said.