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Mashudu Mambo
POLITICS has been seen as a male-dominated fraternity with a number of women shying away from engaging in it, however this week, we celebrate Thandiwe Moyo (60) from Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo, councillor for Ward 7 who chose to defy all odds and engage in politics.
As the world celebrates Women’s Month, it recognises the different contributions brought in by women in the different social, political and economic environments through the theme, “inspire inclusion.”
The theme speaks of the importance of inspiring women to be included, empowered, relevant and to have a sense of belonging given the different historical backgrounds that saw women as inferior.
Women in politics have been surrounded by several stereotypes with some people viewing them as people with loose morals. However, Moyo chose to defy these stereotypes and became an example of a single parent who goes after what she believes in.
“I am a single mother of one and l started my political journey a long time ago while l was in school. I drew my inspiration to venture into politics from women like Thokozani Khuphe and Thenjiwe Lesabe,” said Moyo.
Moyo stated that her journey has not been a favourable one given the different challenges that affect women in politics.
“The journey of women in politics is one of the hardest given that it is male-dominated and a number of people with the financial muscle are men. In most cases as women, we face financial challenges and finances play a pivotal role in running our campaigns. I recall in the previous election, I faced a number of challenges as I had to use public transport to do campaigns in the different areas that are under Ward 7. A candidate also needs money to buy food for people who will be attending these different campaigns and given that most of us do not have a lot of resources, it becomes a challenge to have a successful campaign,” said Moyo.
She highlighted a number of stereotypes that are a hindrance to a successful political career.
“There are a number of societal beliefs that limit us in politics and these are largely from the community which has created different definitions of an ideal woman. Women are viewed as inferior to men and this has seen a number of them being reluctant to participate in politics. There is a belief that when a woman is single or unmarried, she is not an ideal candidate and we have seen a number of men refusing to be led by women whom they view as inferior and incapable of handling leadership positions,” said Moyo.
She hailed a number of organisations that have groomed women to have confidence in participating in political spaces.
“We appreciate the help that we get from a number of organisations like Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) amongst others who have groomed us to be ideal leaders. These organisations have given us confidence to participate in politics.
“The knowledge that is acquired in these grooming sessions helped me have the courage to confront a number of community members and change the stereotypes that were formerly held about what women can do. I managed to confront some of my male counterparts who held such stereotypes and I am happy that they are currently supporting me and not judging me according to my biological and marital status,” said Moyo.
Moyo urged women who aspire to venture into politics to believe in themselves as they are able to achieve anything that they set their minds on.
“I encourage women who aspire to thrive in politics to believe in themselves. We must not allow the different stereotypes to affect us but we must look at some of our fellow women who are thriving in politics and view them as role models,” she said.
Online Reporter