adminCde Muchinguri was speaking at the maiden Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union national female students conference in Harare last week.
She said the conference played a role in educating female students that they were activists and aspiring young businesswomen.
“Historically and culturally women were regarded as minors with black women occupying lowest ranks in society,” said Cde Muchinguri.
“Education for women was not prioritised at family level as it was felt that women’s final job was in the home.
“During the liberation struggle, women went to operational bases outside the country and contributed in all aspects of the war.
“It is now pleasing to note that women have continued to lobby for the 50-50 involvement of women in all sectors included in the new Constitution.”
The conference was attended by hundreds of female students drawn from various institutions of higher learning.
Zicosu secretary for gender affairs, Ms Rugare Chimombe, said female students have been in the periphery with regards to participation and being actively involved in national issues.
“At tertiary institutions, female students do not participate vibrantly as expected and SRCs are dominated by male students, bringing back the notion of the patriarchal society contrary to the modern day phenomenon of equality,” she said.
“There is no clear empowerment policy targeting female students as a formerly marginalised group and female students are very vulnerable in terms of monetary issues.
“Unlike male students, female students cannot hustle, but rather they engage in unruly acts like prostitution.”
Online Reporter