Women’s participation and their challenges

PARTICIPATION in every decision-making and political process is a fundamental right; it is one of the guiding principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, the participation of women in such processes in Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, remains notably low. Their male counterparts dominate every sphere, leaving women with no choice, but to play second fiddle.

According to recent Sadc (Southern African Development Community) Gender Monitor report, some countries have done well in promoting women’s representation in the lower house of Parliament, with Seychelles and South Africa at the top (40%), while Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo are at the bottom (10%).

The Zimbabwean government has also made great strides in fostering gender mainstreaming by giving women positions in Parliament, but most of them still have limited political power.

According to the Sadc report, women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making in the public and private sectors — in Cabinet, Parliament, local government leadership, central government, political parties, private sector boards and management, and non-governmental sectors, special public service committees and other institutions in Sadc member States.

It is an observable fact that cuts across leadership positions in the private and public sectors.

Yet, owing to efforts by women who came before us, Zimbabwe has signed up to and put in place laws and policies for equal opportunities in participation in decision-making and political processes, among other rights.

Zimbabwe has also ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women and in the Constitution; sections 20, 56 and 80 dwell on issues to do with equality.

Researches have proved that women representation at local and central government levels is under 5%, especially in Matabeleland South province.

This is cause for concern and there is need for government and other stakeholders to work towards the emancipation and empowerment of women as enshrined in sections 17 and 80 of the Constitution.

The government, on the other hand, should initiate incomegenerating programmes as a way of empowering women and also there is need for political will among our leaders to involve women in the political processes.