Women react to reduced MP candidates

Grace Moyo

A recent report by the Election Resource Centre (ERC) shows that women’s participation as election candidates has declined.

The Nomination Analysis Fact Sheet produced by the ERC shows a 3 % drop from 14.4% of total candidates in 2018 to this year’s 11%. 

In 2023, a paltry 70 female candidates out of a total of 566 candidates are running for office.

According to the fact sheet, new kid on the block,  United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) has the highest number of women candidates. The party is also led by Elisabeth Valerio, the only female among the presidential candidates.

“Out of the major political parties that nominated candidates for the National Assembly election, United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) performed best in gender inclusion with 29% of their nominated candidates being women. Notably, only 11% of the nominated candidates in the National Assembly for Zanu PF are women, while the number drops even further for CCC which only has 9% of their nominated candidates as women,” said ERC.

Quizzed on the dwindling women representation in leadership, The Girls Table Director, Samkeliso Tshuma contends that the patriachy is at the centre of challenges driving women away from leadership.

“Our constitution is clear on gender equality in sections 56, 17 and 80 but political parties, including the so-called progressive ones, have failed to ensure gender parity in leadership. The politics is men-led and most of the women we see in politics are those that pander to the whims and caprices of  powerful men in political parties,” Tshuma said.

According to Tshuma, the country needs specific laws that deal with non-compliance to constitutional provisions on gender equality in leadership.

“We need laws that categorically demand for specific gender equality requirements that should be satisfied by every party. There should also be strict penalties in place for not adhering to these laws such as witholding state political party funding from political parties that disregard gender equality. As Zimbabweans, we like to sign pledges that we have no intention to fulfil hence the need for laws to ensure implementation.There should be 50-50 representation even in political party structures,” she said.

Tshuma decried economic and traditional barriers that systematically relegate the girl-child to the periphery.

“Women do not have the financial muscle to compete. Our politics is tokenistic. People expect food, t-shirts and other freebies from candidates but unfortunately women are typically unable to fulfill those expectations due to financial constraints.

“A young woman growing up in Tsholotsho or Plumtree is taught to be submissive to the male gender from an early age. They are brought up believing that leadership is a preserve for men. To then expect them to muster confidence and challenge men for positions is a tall order. It all starts during formative years in the family structure. We need to deal with these cultural beliefs that consolidate patriarchy at every level,” she said.

In a recent statement on increasing women’s participation, Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) advised that men should not be alienated but rather engaged and involved as allies in the fight for gender equality and that it was important to challenge stereotypes and gender roles if progress is to be made towards increasing women participation in leadership.

 “We must encourage men to become champions for gender equality and actively support women’s political aspirations.

We must raise awareness and challenge stereotypes. There should be targeted awareness campaigns to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes that hinder women’s political participation. Education and sensitization efforts should be aimed at both women and men to foster a culture of gender equality,” said WILD 

Violence has often been blamed as a deterent for women in politics.  Zimbabwean politics has proved to be an unsafe space for women.

Brenda Dube of Dete bemoaned the violence and toxicity of the political environment that has discouraged women from running for office. 

“Attacks against women both online and offline are a problem for women who wish to venture into politics. They are called names that strip them of their dignity. Authorities must do everything in their power to protect women and make politics a safer space for the fairer gender,” she said.

During the 2020 by-elections campaign, MP Jasmine Toffa sustained a fractured arm after an attack by suspected Zanu PF thugs in Bulilima.

Two years ago, then MDC-Alliance’s Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova were abducted and tortured following a demonstration in Warren Park, Harare. The trio was charged with communicating falsehoods after  reporting the matter to the police. They were only acquitted a few weeks ago.

According to Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTATS) as at 20th of April 2022, 48% of Zimbabwe’s population were male and 52% women, giving a sex ratio of 92 males for every 100 females. Presently, parliamentary representation of women in Zimbabwe stands at 31%.