Zimbabwe is independent, but women are in bondage, says Linda Masarira
Labour Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) says women in Zimbabwe have not enjoyed independence the same way as men, arguing that they are still under bondage.
Although women constitute the majority in Zimbabwe, they are however a minority when it comes to holding important decision-making positions in both business and politics.
The country’s constitution which was adopted in 2013, talks about equal opportunities and access for men and women, however political parties and the government have not been forthcoming in actualising the provision.
Over the years, the number of women who occupy seats in Parliament has also been on a downward trend.
In a statement in the aftermath of the Independence Day celebration, LEAD president Linda Masarira said it’s not yet Uhuru for women.
She said women still struggle and are systematically excluded.
‘’Whilst a lot has been said about the milestones that Zimbabwe has achieved, for women it is not yet Uhuru 42 years after independence. Women still struggle to unclasp the bondages of poverty, exclusion, and systematic marginalization.
‘’It is imperative to note that the discrimination of women in Zimbabwe is systematic and well calculated. The gender imbalances and stereotyping socially, politically, and economically is structural and needs 100% commitment from all women in Zimbabwe for us to be able to break all the barriers prohibiting women to reach their full potential in this highly patriarchal dominant country.
‘’Indeed, it is not yet Uhuru for women participation in governance and politics. It is not yet Uhuru for economic opportunities for the majority of women in Zimbabwe,’’ she said.
Stop cosmetic approach to women issues
Masarira added that civic society organisations, the state and the church should stop cosmetic approach to women issues, adding that there is need for real commitment.
‘’All relevant organs of the state, CSOS, the church and society at large need to stop the cosmetic approach to dealing with issues that affect women in our country. ‘
‘’Firstly, we need commitment by all organs of the state to adhere to Section 17 of the constitution of Zimbabwe which enshrines gender balance. Secondly, charity begins at home, how are we raising the girl child? The girl child should be encouraged to dream and live her dream without being forced to submit to men.
‘’Parents should raise children in gender balanced homes which will nurture a culture of equality and build confidence in the girl child to accomplish her goals without feeling intimidated,’’ she said.
Zimbabwe is independent, but women are in bondage, says Linda Masarira
