Women are over-scrutinised in politics: Wusimbe

WHILE human beings have different callings, some are designed by nature, and destiny, while others are transmissible.
Such is the case with the Zanu-PF candidate for Ward 26 in the Emganwini suburb, Cde Bridget Wusimbe (41).

Cde Wusimbe is a small-scale businesswoman who runs a variety of businesses. She, however, doesn’t dispute her calling, and she believes that the country is destined for greatness.

She is also vouching all candidates in the ruling party victory.

“I really cannot say much about what I have been told or seen by the elders. All I can say is that the country is destined for greatness. We are walking on the right path and this is why, I want to be a history maker in our political sphere,” said Cde Wusimbe, also a traditional healer.

She said the country has always been led by Christian and traditional beliefs hence there is nothing sinister about her joining politics.

“Traditional leaders such as Mbuya Nehanda believed they were ordained in the realm. We had warriors from our history Mzilikazi who had sangomas who saw into the future and believed that Zimbabwe would one day be a place of peace, harmony, and prosperity,” said Cde Wusimbe.

She said the fact that she was part of the many Zanu-PF affiliated groups, indicates she is indebted to the ruling party.

“If you go back to history, you will realise that our party has always been steadfast. It has always had the people at heart, and we are here and stand where we are because of Zanu-PF,” said Cde Wusimbe.

“I am not saying this because I am allied to the party, but because it symbolises my beliefs and those of many others.”
Cde Wusimbe said she ventured into politics in 2018.

“I have always been an active member of the Zanu PF. We all stand for different values and beliefs but, I believe my party stands for the people. We would not be here if it was not for the party,” she said.

Cde Wusimbe said since she made her intentions public to stand on a Zanu PF ticket, she has managed to get at least 200 youths employed through various community empowerment projects.

“My vision is to see a community hall, constructed in my ward including the rehabilitation of roads in Emganwini suburb. I have a deep inclination of being the voice of the voiceless, particularly women,” she said.

Cde Wusimbe said, as a woman, once elected she will amplify women’s voices in the political sphere.

“I work with a lot of women and I am part of female-oriented organisations. Women are over-scrutinised in politics. Women face real barriers when entering the public sphere,” she said.

“It has been proven time and again that women are overly scrutinised in the media. During political campaigns, women are often attacked and derogatory words are used to denigrate them, especially in social media.”

Cde Wusimbe said the fight to improve women’s representation in politics should not stop.

She has also lined up a number of projects that would benefit the youth, and help them desist from drugs and substance abuse.