Call to bridge gender inequality in politics

GOVERNMENT has called for increased efforts towards closing the gender inequality gap, which has resulted in many women being left behind in key decision making processes including in politics.

There is consensus globally that achieving gender equality is critical in promoting peace within nations and fostering inclusiveness, which enhances the protection of women and girls.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Mavis Sibanda, told participants during a recent gender equality meeting in Bulawayo that exploring the nexus between women‘s participation in politics and leadership was critical for national progress.

“It’s a burning issue and Government acknowledges this. Democratic principles require gender equality, a fair and representative political system, and inclusion of women in politics,” she said.

“Gender equality is a human right, women‘s participation is universally recognized and Zimbabwe has embraced that as an international and regional instrument.”

Dr Sibanda said women economic empowerment has been recognized as key pillar in achieving development, particularly Zimbabwe‘s vision 2030 and agenda 2030 for sustainable development goals.

“Women economic empowerment is a human right, which all women should enjoy to be capacitated and be confident about themselves to stand out and participate meaningfully in all spheres of life and manage their destinies,” said Dr Sibanda.

“There’s a need to close the gender gap, which has resulted in women being left behind in political participation within political parties. For women to be leaders and decision makers they need to be empowered, particularly in economic terms, which builds their financial security and increases their influence over households, community and all the processes.

“There are some challenges that hinder women’s full participation such as lack of information access, capital, markets, lack of strong network and stigma,” she said.

In a speech read on her behalf by Mrs Boetsoarelo Noko, Director of Provincial Coordination in the office of the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube, said investing in women’s economic empowerment was vital for gender inequality, eradicating poverty and promoting inclusive growth.

“We are grateful to the ministry for organising the interaction of women in the Matabeleland region. Women play a major development role in the country and the world at large. Your presence is a clear testimony that shows commitments towards the attainment of women empowerment in the country As we celebrate the achievements, let’s address the challenges and explore the opportunities that lie ahead for women’s empowerment and gender inequality in our society.

“Women entrepreneurs drive innovation, create jobs and spare economic growth while women in politics and the public sector advocate for policies that advance social human rights and inclusive developments,” said the minister.

Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC), Margaret Sangarwe-Mukahanana, said the event was not only for women but an opportunity for sharing and building ideas.

“As ZGC we look forward to seeing the gap in women economic development. The issue of women not participating in politics has been identified as a major challenge in the sense that there’s low self-esteem and Gender Based Violence (GBV),” she said.

Zimbabwe has taken several policy measures to enhance gender empowerment, including reserving 60 seats for women in Parliament and directing that one third of councillors in local authorities be women. – @Lo7246Lovelyn.