Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

The low participation of women in national elections is retrogressive to achieving gender equality in politics, a local women’s organisation has said.

In a statement, Women Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) Executive Director Samukeliso Khumalo said despite notable progress made in recent years, women continue to be underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making processes.

This was in reaction to the low numbers of women who were nominated to represent various political parties in the August 23 elections.

There will be no woman candidate in the presidential election a drop from 4 women presidential candidates who participated in the 208 elections, while only 11 percent of women candidates were nominated for National Assembly seats.

“It leaves women on the margins of decision-making, which is also detrimental to democracy and the reduction of the pervasive gender inequality gap. It also means women’s concerns and perspectives in issues of opportunities, public resource management and service delivery will not be prioritised,” said Khumalo.

She added that the statistics also show that the quota system has had the negative effect of relegating women to Proportional Representation.

“Pursuing diversity as an end goal rather than as a means to achieve better results runs the risk of tokenism. Therefore, it is imperative that true inclusivity be sought by actively engaging and opening fair leadership opportunities for women. This is because the underrepresentation of women hamper the development of inclusive policies and inhibits the full realisation of women‘s rights and interests.”

Khumalo said there are several underlying factors that contribute to the low political participation of women in Zimbabwe and these include cultural and societal norms, limited access to education, socio-economic disparities, and structural barriers within political parties and steep nomination fees.

“To address these challenges, a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders is required.”

She said there is a need to establish policies and mechanisms that promote and protect women’s political rights, including affirmative action measures such as quotas and reserved seats for women

“WILD, stands ready to collaborate with the government, civil society organizations, and all relevant stakeholders to champion this cause. Together, we can build a Zimbabwe where women have an equal voice and equal opportunity to shape the future of our great nation,” said Khumalo.

Zimbabwe Catholic Bishop’s Conference (ZCBC) has called on voters to reject politicians who incite violence and instead vote for deserving candidates in the August elections.

The Catholic bishops, in a statement, urged voters to “Take courage! Stand up and let your voices be heard through the ballot”.

Zimbabweans go to the polls on August 23 to elect new representatives and the clerics said by voting, the citizens “determine the nation that you want, you choose its leaders for the next five years”.

“Your vote is your personal decision and an expression of your freedom. Do not be intimidated, coerced or manipulated to vote against your will. Refuse to be used in violent attacks against your fellow brothers and sisters. Any party or politician that incites violence or persuades you to join in violent attacks, is not worthy of your vote. Give your vote to those who deserve it,” the clerics said.

The bishops called on politicians to present themselves as noble individuals who are worthy of people’s votes, reminding them that history would judge them harshly should there be chaos.

They said should the politicians divide the people, it would be difficult to govern them beyond the elections.

“You have a huge responsibility for the lives of our people. In these weeks you have space and the power to influence the citizens. Exercise this privilege responsibly. History will judge you harshly, should the nation be divided because of you. After all the campaigns and elections have come and gone, there remains not just party people to be governed, but the whole nation,” the bishops said.

Media organisations were urged to report freely and fairly, recognising their mandate to educate people and keep them informed.

They were urged to give fair and equal coverage to all political players so that people may be well informed and make informed decisions on the day of voting.

“Most people, who do not attend campaign rallies, are informed through your news coverage. Be non-partisan, cover all parties in the same manner. Be factual in vour reports. Report without fear or favour. Avoid misrepresentations and biased reporting,” the bishops said.

“Let your role be that of midwifery, enable all politicians to be heard. It is not for you to be mouthpieces of particular parties. We strongly appeal to you that you stand up and be counted in peace building. Be credible sources of information that people can turn to as they seek to discern who to vote for. May you not be accused of creating an unlevel playing field, by aligning yourself with a particular party and pushing its agenda.”

The clerics also encouraged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to deliver free, fair and credible elections.