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Tendai Rupapa, Senior Reporter
AN air of buoyancy and cordiality pervaded through Parliament on Wednesday as women parliamentarians toasted to the dawn of a new era with First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa as ambassador of the Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus.
The parliamentarians’ body language and unity of purpose as they sang and danced spoke volumes about their acceptance of their ambassador across the political divide.
On her part, Dr Mnangagwa yesterday looked radiant as she held a first-of-its-kind meeting with the women parliamentarians whom she praised for daring to step into the arena of leadership and raise their voices to shape the nation’s future.
The meeting touched on a range of issues, including women’s empowerment, 50-50 representation, collaboration with the Angel of Hope Foundation, business, etiquette, public speaking, dressing, and the need to mentor young political aspirants.
The First Lady brought along speakers from the school of public speaking, Dr Blessing Mandipira and Ms Ruvimbo Chitsungo, to talk to the women to build confidence in them, promoting etiquette, personal branding, and teaching them how to carry themselves and their approach to people they represent.
The confluence of minds and spirits, the First Lady said, was not merely a formality, but a testament to the unwavering spirit of Zimbabwean women.
“This gathering is a beacon illuminating the path towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for all. Honourable members, allow me to express my honour in accepting the role of ambassador for your caucus as I pledge my unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in our society,” she said.
President Mnangagwa shows First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Mrs Chiwenga how leg chains were used to cuff him during his detention at Khami Maximum Prison in Bulawayo in the 1960s. He was touring a mock cell during the 45th Independence Children’s Party in Gokwe yesterday. — Pictures: Presidential Photographer: John Manzongo
The Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus, Dr Mnangagwa said, has made remarkable progress in advancing the 50-50 agenda, particularly through the extension of the women’s quota system in Parliament until 2033.
“This initiative has yielded significant results, increasing women’s representation in Parliament from 18 percent in 2008 to 35 percent in 2013, thereby surpassing the initial 30 percent target. We gather at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, a time filled with both challenges and immense opportunities. Your presence in Parliament is a powerful act of reclaiming our space of ensuring that the unique insights and experiences of Zimbabwean women are brought to the forefront of national discourse and policy formulation,” she said.
The women’s caucus, Dr Mnangagwa said, must be the torch bearer in the march of the unity of purpose. “For that reason, our performance in constituency-based elections also requires attention,” she said.
“In recent polls, only 11 percent of women succeeded under the first-past-the-post system, declining from 12 percent. While the women’s quota has increased the overall representation of the female Members of Parliament, we must ensure that it does not become a limitation which confines women solely to quota-based positions. Given these sobering statistics, the ZWPC must reflect and strategise on how to enhance the influence of women in our electoral processes. Your key entry point is to win in the party’s primary elections. Persuade your political parties to act accordingly,” she said.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa interacts with children during the 45th Independence Children’s Party in Gokwe yesterday
As a former Member of Parliament for Chirumanzu-Zibagwe Constituency, Dr Mnangagwa said she had experienced first-hand the challenges women face in winning elections in constituencies.
“The obstacles are significant and multifaceted. Most political parties lack written policies on gender selection for candidates, particularly in the first-past-the-post electoral systems, which results in limited participation by women in these electoral contests.
“Esteemed parliamentarians, our vision of full and equal participation of women in a democratic and gender-responsive environment can only be realised through collective effort and persevering dedication. His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa’s vision of an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030 requires the full participation of women across all socio-economic spheres. Indeed, the mantra ‘Leaving no one and no place behind’ must become a reality for Zimbabwean women in their journey towards gender parity,” she said.
Since women comprise 52 percent of the population, Dr Mnangagwa said, their participation in all aspects of national life was not just a goal, but a compelling imperative necessity.
She invited the legislators to engage in open dialogue about their current limitations and challenges, strategies to enhance parliamentary visibility, ways to improve effectiveness in parliamentary roles, and potential areas of collaboration with her office.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa distributes goodies to children during the 45th Independence Children’s Party in Gokwe yesterday.
Occupying positions of leadership, the First Lady said, was not without demands and responsibilities.
“As women in the public eye, you are not only representatives of your constituencies but also role models for the young girls and women of our nation. Your actions, your words, and your very presence carry a powerful message, shaping perceptions and inspiring aspirations. Honourable parliamentarians, I urge each and every one of you to find your voice and contribute actively and confidently to the debates that shape the future of our beloved Zimbabwe. Be confident, have a voice, and say something. Do not be dissuaded by dismissive sneers or comments. If you have something to say, then say it. Let your perspectives be heard, for they are invaluable and essential in crafting legislation that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our citizens. Do not be swayed by fear and disagreement or counter arguments, rather, embrace these moments as opportunities for growth, refinement of your ideas, and the strengthening of our parliamentary discourse,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa reminded the parliamentarians to dress well and to be presentable at all times.
“In the realm of public service, your attire becomes a visual representation of the dignity of your office. It should be respectful of the traditions and values of our society while also reflecting your personal style and manner that is both confident and appropriate, paying attention to details such as neat hair, clean attire, and polished shoes demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a respect for the people you serve.
“Furthermore, Honourable Members of Parliament, our responsibility extends beyond the walls of this assembly. We have a profound duty to nurture the next generation of female leaders in Zimbabwe. This will help increase the percentage of female parliamentarians in our country,” she said.
Mrs Chiwenga distributes goodies to children during the 45th Independence Children’s Party in Gokwe yesterday
The mother of the nation implored the legislators to seek out young women with budding political aspirations and take them under their wings.
“Impart your knowledge, share your experiences, and offer unwavering guidance to help them navigate the path of public service. I challenge each of you to identify and commit to mentoring at least three young women, grooming them with the hope that they, too, will stand within these chambers, their voices strong and their contributions significant. By investing in these young minds, we are not only empowering individuals but also strengthening the future of our nation and ensuring a continued legacy of female leadership in Zimbabwe. I challenge you for our next meeting to bring three or more young women with political aspirations that you have brought under your wings for mentorship and demonstrate how you are guiding your mentees as they navigate the landscape of politics. We want our numbers as women to increase in Parliament and indeed it is entirely up to us samadzimai,” she said to applause.
Going forward, Dr Mnangagwa said she abhors women who pull their peers down.
“We say no to the PHD syndrome (pull her down). What we want is unity and development as women. I want to work with people who are not discriminatory and do not leave others behind. I touch many areas like disability, health, education, the elderly, the less privileged, social services, GBV, among many others; therefore, come with me as we work for the nation. I will be moving with you on some occasions but when tied up, I can assign you to represent me. I am glad you have shown me that you are one and all our discussions are non-partisan. I want us to mentor other women who are keen on politics. Let’s go out there and get would-be parliamentarians, and they will join us in our next meeting.
“You raised many issues where you want us to work together, the issues are to do with women’s empowerment. I will engage Women’s Bank for you to have a separate, stand-alone account for women parliamentarians to get revolving funds to do empowerment projects in your constituencies. It is also good for us to engage established businesswomen for skills training so that we are empowered business-wise,” she said.
Ambassador of the Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa shares a lighter moment with Senate President Mable Chinomona and Speaker of Parliament Adv Jacob Mudenda during an inaugural meeting at Parliament Building in Harare on Wednesday
To encourage women, the First Lady spoke about some of the projects she is personally undertaking using locally available resources.
“Let us work, we are hard workers, madzimai. We will engage business women for workshops and learn from them. Minister Mutsvangwa, what do you say about this?
Minister Mutsvangwa welcomed the suggestions and initiatives proposed by Amai Mnangagwa.
The First Lady further told the women that she has an open-door policy and is always ready to give advice and assistance to women.
She advised the women to form groups and come up with their business proposals.
“You can embark on farming projects; horticulture brings quick returns. You are mothers. What have you done to feed your family, your community, and your nation? Also, teach your children to make use of their hands and shun social vices. Also, education is critical, and it has no limit. Let us go to school so that when you debate in Parliament, you submit meaningful points,” she said.
Amai touched on dressing, encouraging women parliamentarians to always dress presentable, saying it builds their confidence.
To add colour to the meeting, she invited the women to showcase their attire, much to their delight.
The women did a mini catwalk while Amai and other women became judges.
In conclusion, Amai said she will execute her ambassadorial role to the best of her ability.
Hon Bridget Sibanda gives her points during a meeting of female parliamentarians with the Ambassador of the Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa at Parliament Building in Harare on Wednesday
Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda hailed the appointment of the First Lady as ambassador of the Women’s Caucus as a progressive step.
“The Women’s Caucus will create those fruits, developmental fruits that will uplift the female parliamentarian. Number two, the fruits that will uplift the developmental mantra of Zimbabwe, the fruits that will enable the women parliamentarians to contribute nationally, continentally, and internationally. Therefore, Honourable Members, do not disappoint because you have a dependable mentor who you have to walk with all the time from today. Let me thank you once again, Your Excellency, for accepting the responsibility, and I have no doubt that you will carry the responsibilities to the best of your abilities,” he said.
Senate President, Senator Mabel Chinomona extended the caucus’s appreciation to the First Lady for accepting the role of ambassador.
“This progressive and historic collaboration between the caucus and the Office of the First Lady will undoubtedly propel the work and activities of the caucus to greater heights and elevate the status of women in Zimbabwe.
“We, therefore, welcome you, Amai, to this inaugural meeting. Your work through the Angel of Hope Foundation has already laid a strong foundation for the empowerment of women and children in Zimbabwe.
“The Foundation’s focus on health, education, and economic empowerment aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the caucus. We have witnessed the massive impact of your initiatives from the provision of maternal health services in rural areas to the support for income-generating projects for women.
“These initiatives have not only transformed the lives of the beneficiaries but have inspired hope and resilience within communities across this nation. As emphasised by His Excellency, the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ the ZWPC remains unwavering in its commitment to improving the livelihoods of women. We will never rest on our laurels as we tirelessly strive to uplift and empower women in our society,” she said.
Hon Thokozani Khupe gives her points during a meeting of female parliamentarians with the Ambassador of the Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa at Parliament Building in Harare on Wednesday
Sen Chinomona challenged women in Parliament and leadership positions to harness their numerical advantage as demographic trends favour them, to enact transformative decisions that propel the socio-economic advancement of the nation.
Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Maybe Mbowa, presented a position paper on behalf of fellow women parliamentarians.
“As women, we collectively represent the aspirations of 52 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, which demands that our rights be respected and upheld throughout the country.
“Today marks a special moment for the women of Zimbabwe as we have been granted this opportunity to engage with you, our Ambassador and First Lady. I firmly believe this meeting heralds the beginning of positive and tangible developments for Zimbabwean women. This partnership has the potential to strengthen our collective efforts in addressing women’s challenges, promoting their rights, and achieving gender equality,” she said.
Dr Thokozani Khupe shared her challenges with cancer and sought to work with the mother of the nation in the fight against cancer.
“Your Excellency, cancer is indisputably a rising epidemic. This is evidenced by the number of people who are dying as a result of cancer. We recently lost a Member of Parliament who succumbed to cancer. The issue of cancer is supposed to be given attention. Your Excellency, sexual reproductive health rights are very fundamental in ensuring the well-being of women and communities and women at large.
“So, as the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Your Excellency, we would like to appreciate you so very much and acknowledge the good work that you are doing in raising cancer awareness and also in providing screening facilities for women across the board and across the nation.
“So many women have benefited. Your Excellency, as you know that I am a cancer survivor, I have gone through a lot of trials and tribulations and we have decided that we as parliament take the issue of cancer to a higher level by establishing a parliamentary cancer caucus whose role will be to make sure that we do cancer awareness programmes in all the 210 constituencies which is going to further cascade to all the wards so that at least people will know that there is this scourge called cancer,” she said.
Honourable Biata Nyamupinga, hailed Dr Mnangagwa for her interventions.
“Thank you Amai for alleviating the plight of people with disabilities. You are doing the work wholeheartedly; we see your passion. You are not doing it just because you are the First Lady, it’s evident in your work that you are truly passionate about assisting the needy. On the disability side, we wish to work with you closely,” she said.
Ambassador of the Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa interacts with female parliamentarians during an inaugural meeting at Parliament Building in Harare on Wednesday. — Pictures: John Manzongo
Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa commends Hon Rose Mpofu for being well dressed and presentable during her teachings on etiquette and grooming for female parliamentarians at an interactive meeting at Parliament Building in Harare on Wednesday
Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa commends Hon Sisasenkosi Ndebele for being well dressed and presentable during her teachings on etiquette and grooming for female parliamentarians at an interactive meeting at Parliament Building in Harare on Wednesday
Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa receives motivational textbooks from Mr Blessing Mandipira which she donated to female parliamentarians during an interactive meeting at Parliament Building in Harare on Wednesday
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