ElectionsZW: Zimbabwe is not ready for a female President
Rural Young Women Support Network says Zimbabwe is not ready to have a female President as there are no supporting structures currently in place.
Although there has been talk about equal opportunities between men and women in the country, but when it comes to politics women have found themselves playing supporting roles.
The highest a woman has gone in the political structure in Zimbabwe is when Joice Mujuru was appointed Vice President.
Thokozani Khupe followed suit when she was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in the Inclusive Government.
Currently, there is no woman in the country’s presidium although many had hoped that a woman could replace Kembo Mohadi who resigned.
Speaking in an interview, Rural Young Women Support Network said failure to implement 50-50 shows that the country is not ready to accommodate a female president.
‘’Zimbabwe is not yet ready for a female President as evidenced by the lack of women in the presidium and lack of political will to implement 50-50.
‘’To have a female President there is a need for political reforms that support women participation and the political will,’’ the organisation said.
The women’s organisation added that lack of proper sanitary wear is also another bottleneck that stands in the way of women.
Rural Young Women Support Network said without sanitary wear, women cannot attend political and developmental meetings.
The organisation also called out issues of political violence that often characterize elections in Zimbabwe.
‘’Without proper sanitary girls and women will not be able to attend school, decision making and political meetings and visit the markets.
‘’Lack of proper sanitary wear can result in infection and disease that can hinder women’s full participation in politics and business.
‘’Political violence intimidates women and hence they shy away from political and governance processes for fear of victimization. Political violence violates women’s rights of participation and of freely and safely choosing the leader they want.’’
ElectionsZW: Zimbabwe is not ready for a female President
