Is Zimbabwe ground fertile for women participation in politics?

Following the appointment of 3 women out of 26 ministers in the cabinet, diverse views on the nature of the Zimbabwe environment in sidelining women in politics has been aired.

Recently, President Robert Mugabe reportedly uttered his lack of faith in women’s capacity to lead as he remarked they did proportional representation, but there were just not enough women.

However, some have voiced that Zimbabwe is not a fragile ground for women to fully participate in politics. There is still a lot of gender discrimination in the public sphere where women are marginalised and under represented in key sectors like politics.

 “Politics in Zimbabwe is still tied to the ancient perception of domesticating women. Women are always the second opinion-despite the increasing numbers of women organisations and the high literate rates in women,” said Nokulunga Masuku, a resident of Harare.

Masuku added that women of nowadays are now enlightened and know what they want hence we have groups like WOZA, WIPSU to mention a few, therefore lack of education as a justification to women marginalisation in politics and government posts is a lame excuse.

  “It is time we stop portraying women as vulnerable vessels. Prior to the election they fought for their rights as evidenced by the constitution, which added a voice to the representation of women in parliament.

“If we can just put in the words of other politicians the Election was robbed, thus women were not the only ones that were denied representation but various politicians both male and female suffered the blow,” said Talent Gumpo, a journalist and resident in Bulawayo.

On the other hand, others have disputed that women are not looked out in the political sector per se as there are various challenges that affect them and best know by them.

“I think women should position themselves strategically. People are free to join their political parties of their choices. It is just that women themselves are afraid of participating in politics for reasons best known to themselves.

“However, I believe women are better leaders and decision makers but probably they are not ready to take up such responsibilities,” said a member of Zanu-Pf who refused to be identified.

Speaking to a member of MDC- Ncube, Siphiwe Dewa said women are not ignorant of political procedures but are failing to fully participate in the politics as a result of the prevailing political environment in this country, which is not clear and transparent.

“Given the correct environment and resources the women can participate in politics. Also, given the huge numbers of women who were contesting against men for different political positions women are not different neither are they ignorant,” Dewa added

National chairperson of Youth Forum, Sally Dura has said it is unfortunate that the politics in Zimbabwe is still male dominated. However pointing that despite the patriarchal environment through hard work they have managed to get the best deal out of the constitution.

“Women fought a war during the election process and they should ululate for their accomplishments, with sixty women being selected to the National Assembly in accordance with the new constitution.

“Women should just continue working together and not wait for election period to join forces. History of Zimbabwe shows that if we work together, we can enforce change,” Dura said.