Women grateful for independence

Mercy Ngwebvu
ZIMBABWE is enjoying 35 years of independence, with women among major beneficiaries of the country’s hard-won democracy.

Zimbabwe along the rest of Africa operationalised the October 2010 African Women Decade, which sought to advance gender equality through dual top down or bottom up approach which is inclusive of grassroots participation.

The declaration is not an understatement considering that most women in leadership in Zimbabwe are determined to scale up in top position, a feat that was impossible during the colonial era.

Some of the women in leadership and decision-making positions took time to express their achievements since 1980 echoing their gratitude and determination to see women achieving more.

The rise of women into decision making and leadership positions should not be restricted to the 2010-2020 era only.

Zanu-PF Manicaland Senator for Manicaland Cde Judith Mawire singled her involvement and other women in politics and decision-making positions as a fulfilment of one of the ideals of liberation struggle.

“As women, we participated in the revolutionary struggle that brought independence in 1980. With the independence came the emancipation of women. Women now match their male counterparts. Personally, I am impressed by the proportional representation of women in Parliament. That is a milestone achievement since it is enshrined in the constitution,” said Sen Mawire.

“The issue of farms and land distribution to women still needs perfection. Women make up the majority of the population and being major providers of their families, should be well empowered with necessary resources so that they effectively play their bread winners role and support the ZimAsset in the process. The mining sector should be more accessible to more female players. What men do, women can do even better.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Mrs Chido Tsinakwadi-Madiwa, who emphasised the importance of empowering women with education.

“Our attainment of independence in 1980 saw the surfacing of various legal frameworks which empowered women a lot. These frameworks also facilitated the participation of women in almost all sectors, from politics to sport. I was and still am really impressed by the training of women in education. This is an opportunity for women to continue rising to decision-making positions based on merit and the education they would have acquired,” said Mrs Tsinakwadi-Madiwa.

“Women at the work place can now enjoy their maternity leave and we are lobbying for paternity leave where the men will assist their wives when a new life is introduced into the family,” she said.

“However, I still feel that more women should join the science and technology sectors as they are still largely male dominated. Women should also be economically empowered because most of them are not joining or are dropping out of politics because they lack financial and material resources to carry out campaigns or the other things that are essential in politics,” added Mrs Tsinakwadi-Madiwa.

The existing gender gaps in decision making, access and control over economic resources will require more than just a ‘‘redress’’ of policies and practice.

Women in leadership should take it upon themselves to flourish and be the world’s alternative strategy for peace and sustainable development.

While politics and business are sectors that are well spoken about, sport is another area in which women have made vast achievements.

The Zimbabwe Cricket vice-chairperson, Mrs Maureen Kuchocha, who is the only female in a board of 12 members, said the ability of women to play the male-dominated sport can be penned down as an achievement for women in sport leadership.

“Our independence saw black girls and women getting the chance to play sport like cricket, hockey and tennis among other sports which used to be white and male dominated. As we speak, Zimbabwe now has a female cricket team which is set to lock horns with other countries in the World Cup. The open-door policy ensured that every woman and girl who feels capable and ready to prove themselves gets a chance to deliver because when you can prove yourself, no one can suppress talent and merit.

“Sport is an industry and I am encouraging women and girls to participate. In its own right, sport can be an avenue in which the ZimAsset may be supported. It is high time women and girls seriously considered becoming their own bosses. I also feel that more can still be done to further empower women now that we are independent. Lady teams should have lady coaches, physiotherapists, fitness trainers and supervisors. This will go a long way in curbing the incidents of abuse and sexual harassment to which most of our girls are vulnerable,” said Mrs Kuchocha.

While women achievements in the past decades should be celebrated, future decades present opportunities for women’s total empowerment, gender equity and a world of difference to every woman.

More and more women can reach their potential and showcase the best of their abilities. Much as some may think that the achievements of women since independence is an over-emphasised topic, it serves as a constant reminder of how all these achievements would have remained a pipe dream save for the attainment of independence and self rule.