ST. Mary’s, Chitungwiza— Despite the constitutional and legal provisions that guarantee gender equality and women’s rights, women are not adequately represented in parliament and local authorities. It’s quite disappointing that in St Mary’s Chitungwiza, women failed to make it to the ballot. Participation of women in politics is increasing but their contributions are too often side-lined and their voices still go unheard. Women constituted just 11 percent of candidates who successfully passed the nomination to contest for national assembly seats. It is safe to say that Zimbabwe has failed to make progress in enhancing women’s political participation in this year’s election.
Fewer women exercise the right to vote compared to men due to a lack of information and awareness about voting, electoral processes and overall political rights. There are also other factors that hinder women’s participation in politics; women who engage in political activities are labelled loose and immoral and their lives are put under a spotlight, and violence in the political system usually targets women. The patriarchal nature of society must be changed so that women will be able to take a truly equal role in political affairs. A safe environment must be created for women to participate freely in democratic processes in order to increase the participation of women in politics.
23 August 2023 was declared a national holiday to allow people to vote and the Central Business District (CBD) experienced reduced activity. Shops were closed, and omnibus operators and vendors were absent from the scene. Voters were not allowed to wear regalia near polling stations as this might lead to violence. There were delays in voting at some polling stations as the ballot papers had not been delivered by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission ( ZEC). ZEC admitted that this was due to delays in printing ballot papers. People were in long lines waiting to cast their votes. Some voters were complaining as their names were not listed on the polling stations where they originally voted.
As LEMHsters we must continue to educate women on constitutional rights and participation in leadership so that they will contribute their voice in determining the future of our country and upholding a truly democratic society.