malvernmugadzikwa
Debra Matabvu
WHEN she entered the imposing new Parliament building in Mt Hampden on Thursday for the swearing-in ceremony of legislators who were elected into the National Assembly during the recent polls, Ms Barbara Thompson felt uneasy and out of place.
She cast a lone figure as she familiarised herself with the stately building that was set to become her second home for the next five years.
But in no time — she was in her element — as she rubbed shoulders with her veteran counterparts, almost nonchalantly.
It was as if she had been here before.
While the 27-year-old mother of two from Rushinga, Mashonaland Central Province — has held several leadership positions before her election into the National Assembly under the youth quota proportional representation system — becoming a lawmaker at such a young age was beyond her wildest imagination.
“What happened on Thursday was something I never imagined would happen to me.
“I think I need a bit of time to adjust,” she said, with a chuckle.
“However, this has taught me that in a democratic society, even the so-called marginalised can participate and debate on issues that affect them at the highest level.”
Ms Thompson will represent Mashonaland Central as one of the 10 legislators to sit in the august House under the youth quota.
For over 10 years, Ms Thompson has been in the ZANU PF party structures and, at one point, was youth political commissar for Harare South.
She moved to Rushinga in 2015 after getting married, where she quickly joined the party’s provincial structures.
It was her unmatched devotion to the party and the development of her constituency that witnessed her election to represent the party. Her name was on the youth quota list that was submitted for the August 23 and 24 harmonised elections.
Her agenda for the 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe is already cast in stone.
“It is and has always been about development and the youths’ voices being heard,” she said.
“I am from an area — which, until a few years ago — has been marginalised.
“Despite the infrastructural developments that were introduced by the Second Republic, I feel more can and should be done.
“I want to be the voice of the youth of Mashonaland Central and to tell the nation of their hopes and aspirations.”
She knows the task ahead will not be easy. However, she is willing to learn the ropes and make her contributions felt.
“I do not think being one of the youngest MPs will be a challenge for me,” she added.
“Do not be fooled by the stature or appearance, I do not scare easily and I know how to stand my ground.
“Of course, I might need to learn one or two things about Parliament and how it works, but I am ready and up for the challenge.”
Ms Thompson said she hopes her venture into politics will inspire girls and young women across the country to aspire to rise to the very top.
“I hope this will inspire women across the country that despite one’s background, we, too, can participate and contribute in policy-making processes,” she added.
“Women, especially young women, should arise and take up these spaces.”
Online Reporter