Women in politics urged to shun sex trade
Providence Moyo
As the much anticipated elections beckon, women in politics have been urged to desist from trading sexual services for political gain.
This came out during a roundtable engagement organised for women in politics hosted by Amakhosikazi Media in Bulawayo under the theme “Against the tide of the ‘Pulling Her Down syndrom (PhDs).”
During discussions, it was noted that some female politicians succumb to pressure and offer sex as a means to a successful career in politics.
Ward 16 councillor Lillian Mlilo said sexual abuse was rampant in political spaces and it is high time women fight their battles and win fairly without going through this abuse.
“Some women use their bodies to advance political careers because of the difficulties they come across during the journey. Women must strive for success not include such degrading compromises because it is capability and ability that leads to sucess more than anything else,” she said.
Ward 17 councillor Sikhulelekile Moyo concurred with Cllr Mlilo but was quick to add that even though it is not easy for women to climb the political ladder without making concessions to men, women are strong enough multi-taskers who can survive both the political pressure and running homes,” she said.
Cllr Mlilo expressed displeasure at the dominance of men on women’s platforms. She said men must be excluded in such platforms.
“Men should be excluded from women’s dialogues because they end up dominating and leading discussions that are meant for women. Women must be allowed to have and lead their own discussions on their own and make their own decisions without pressure from men,” she said.
An aspiring politician, Sukoluhle Mhlanga added that financial constraints hinder women from participating in politics and often leads to compromises.
The aim of the engagement was to get an insight into the reasons that affect women’s participation in elections and women present cited that there are structural barriers that include the women’s quota which seeks they say limits the participation of women and thwarts their ambitions for higher positions.
