adminTHE Government will this year increase the involvement of women in politics and decision making as part of its priorities with the action expected to usher in more women into influential positions.
In a telephone interview with Sunday News, Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Nyasha Chikwinya said the involvement of women in decision making was crucial because almost all the decisions that were made affect women in one way or the other.
“There are still few women in positions of power. When one mentions chief executive officers, they are very few and despite being few, those that are there have done extremely well. I want to commend them for what they have done and urge them to continue working hard,” she said.
The minister said despite the country having failed to meet the Sadc protocol on gender equality, the ministry would work hard to ensure that the goal was attained this year.
Article 12 of the Sadc Protocol on Gender and Development (2008) requires that, “States Parties shall endeavour that, by 2015, at least 50 percent of decision making positions in the public and private sectors are held by women.”
Minister Chikwinya also said the participation of women who were elected under the proportional representation in Parliament was commendable. She said while some women were still learning the ropes, the performance by some legislators was pleasing.
“The participation of women who were elected under the proportional representation and all women in general has been good. Debates that are taking place in Parliament show both male and female are at par and they respect each other’s opinion. For women who were elected under the proportional representation, some of them are still learning and the majority if not all have mastered and are now aware of Parliamentary proceedings. I want to salute women and encourage them to continue doing well,” said Minister Chikwinya.
Online Reporter