By Karen Nyeraurombo
The resignation of Kembo Mohadi from the office of Vice President of Zimbabwe could go a long way in exposing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s sincerity of being a listening President
Mnangagwa who came to power in 2017 following a military-assisted coup has often described himself as a listening President.
Women groups have rushed to cash-in on the claim by calling for the appointment of a female Vice President to replace Mohadi.
In an interview on Tuesday-Talk, Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe chairperson Evernice Munando pleaded with Mnangagwa to consider women for the post.
“We are pleading with the President to consider women for the vacant post of Vice President.
“It is a very important post and we feel that the President should also consider that in terms of including a woman in the presidium and also even if we go back to our constitution Section 56 and 80 which gives the mandate and obligation to promote the full participation of women in politics and also decision making.
“As women, we feel this is an opportunity that has been created for us to be included in the position of the VP so that at least our issues are represented at a higher level.
“One of the challenges being faced by women in politics is sexual abuse and harassment, they are always undermined and they have no political power through the male-dominated spaces.
“So as it stands right now if the President would not consider us or include a female Vice President we will remain at the same position, but if he considers the inclusion of a female then it’ll help us in improving and advocating for gender equality.
“We don’t care where this woman is coming from, what we need is a woman. We have no problem if the female Vice President comes from Zanu PF or MDC we just want the representation of women,” she said.
It however remains to be seen if Mnangagwa will heed the call as the seat has traditionally been occupied by someone from Zapu since the days of the Unity Accord.
The issue also comes at a time when women in the country are calling for equal representation in Parliament and other public positions.
With regards to Parliament, women are demanding 105 seats from the 210 that are directly elected.
Women want the seats to be declared women-only seats, a situation that could create challenges for political parties.
