Pessimism on women’s quota
Sibahle Ndlovu
Female politicians from Matabeleland say extension of the women’s quota to local authorities will not bring any significant changes with regards the participation of women in politics.
In Zimbabwe, the women’s quota system was first introduced in the 2013 Constitution and was only meant for the Senate and National Assembly.
The Constitutional Ammendment Bill no. 2 Act of 2021 extended the women’s quota to local government with at least 30% of the total members of the local council elected on ward basis as women.
Female councillors who spoke to this publication argued that it would be better to channel funds towards women empowerment projects so that they are financially enabled to contest on their own.
“Okunye akusebenzi njengabomama akusincedisi ngalutho ngoba yona iQuota yabomama izayenzani?” quizzed Councillor Sitshengisiwe Ndlovu of Matobo Ward 7.
ZANU-PF candidate for Ward 1 , Tsholotsho , Lindiwe Mkwananzi said “the introduction of the Quota system will not change anything much because there is a high chance that the selected candidates will be operating in the shadows of the elected councillors. Instead, candidates and political parties should direct more funding towards female candidates to achieve equity.”
The ruling ZANU-PF party last week announced guidelines for the selection of the Local Authority 30 percent women’s quota.
In a Statement, ZANU -PF’s National Political Commissar Dr Mike Bima said the party was proposing minimum educational requirements in line with Cabinet’s approved requirements.
“Taking cognisant that the Cabinet has already accepted the principle of academic qualification in selecting suitable candidates under the 30 percent women’s quota system, the party has adopted a proactive approach and is proposing minimum academic requirements.”
“These requirements are based on the need to facilitate the entry of professionals under this electoral category. The following are the proposed minimum requirements:
a) 5 O Levels
b) Diploma or Degree will be an added advantage,” he said.
Dr Bimha urged the provinces to start the process of identifying and selecting suitable candidates.
“Provinces should collect the document identifying the number of wards that fall under the 30 percent Quota from the Commisariat Department. The list of successful candidates should be submitted to the Commissariat Department by 26 May 2023”, said Dr Bimha.
Tsholotsho Local Board has no female councillors as all 22 wards are male led, a situation that flies in the face of gender equality.
The Local Board’s Chairperson Essau Siwela said the local authority was positive that the 30% women’s quota in local authorities would improve the situation.
