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Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
LIBERATION movements within southern Africa and progressive organisations from the US and China yesterday hailed the zanu-pf Government’s women empowerment programmes, saying they had drawn lessons which they will implement in their countries.
Delivering solidarity messages at the zanu-pf 6th Women’s League Conference yesterday, the political parties said it was encouraging that Zimbabwe was implementing constitutional provisions that promote gender equity.
Namibia’s South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) women’s council executive member Mrs Eunice Lipinge said her party had since adopted a 50-50 provision in its constitution, but as women they were pushing to have the same captured in the country’s supreme law.
She said Zimbabwe’s quota system, coupled with zanu-pf’s resounding victory in the July 31 harmonised elections last year, saw a significant number of women taking up seats in Parliament.
“We should know that this does not come on a silver platter,” said Mrs Lipinge.
“Statistics have shown that women are in the majority and we should utilise this.”
Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi representative Ms Salome Kiwaya said Zimbabwe had more women both in Parliament and other decision-making positions because of its deliberate policy on empowerment.
Malawi Congress Party’s women’s league publicity secretary Dr Jessie Kabwila commended President Mugabe for the indigenisation policy, including the distribution of land to the black majority.
She said Zimbabwean women were indebted to President Mugabe who restored their dignity through policies that recognised their role in society.
“In Zimbabwe, women are full citizens,” said Dr Kabwila. “They are in a full category with others deserving to enjoy the full cake of independence.”
Dr Kabwila did her early education in Zimbabwe.
Zambia’s United National Independence Party representative Ms Fransica Summerton said Zanu-PF had raised the banner for the women’s struggle.
Botswana Democratic Party’s Ms Caroline Lesang called for support from Zanu-PF as her country heads for general elections in October.
Ms Luisa Damico from the MPLA of Angola hailed relations between Zanu-PF and her party saying the two had come a long way.
A representative of the United States-based December 12 Movement Ms Viola Plumer castigated the illegal sanctions imposed by Washington and the European Union on Zimbabwe.
She described the US government as “illegal.”
The All China Women’s Federation sent their solidarity message which was read by Zanu-PF Women’s League secretary for external relations Cde Agnes Dete as they could not make it on time for the official opening of the conference.
Zanu-PF South Africa and United Kingdom branches also delivered their solidarity messages saying they were honoured to be part of the Conference.
Indigenous businesswomen organisation president Dr Jane Mutasa implored authorities not to assault vendors most of whom she said were mothers trying to eke out a living.
University of Zimbabwe political science lecturer Dr Charity Manyeruke also delivered a solidarity message on behalf of women in academia.
Online Reporter