Zanu-PF And NCA Praised for Promoting Women’s Participation in Glenview South By-Election
By Lynette Manzini
Zanu PF and the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) have been praised for fielding female candidates in the recently held Glenview South by-election.
The ruling party, Zanu PF, fielded Tsitsi Tranquility Tawomhera, while Lovemore Madhuku’s NCA fielded Perpetua Mukanda.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) said, “the Network acknowledges and commends NCA and ZANU-PF for fielding female candidates in the by-election, a step towards addressing the marginalization of women within Zimbabwean political participation.”
Tsitsi Tawomhera won the seat, defeating Mukanda and three other candidates — Tungamirai Madzokere, George Makwangwaidze, and Tonderai Chakeredza.
Tawomhera’s victory is not only a win for Zanu PF, but also a significant gain for women in Parliament. The number of women in Parliament has been declining, dropping from 14% in 2018 to 11% in 2023.
Statistical data shows that women make up 52% of Zimbabwe’s population, yet they remain underrepresented in elected offices, party leadership, and government roles.
This is despite the Constitution of Zimbabwe clearly affirming gender equality across all spheres of life, including political participation.
Various studies indicate that women’s participation as candidates in Zimbabwe — and across many African countries — remains low due to barriers such as gender-based violence, patriarchy, high nomination fees, and limited access to resources.
The government and civil society organisations have made several efforts to support women in taking up leadership roles and contesting elections.
In the 2023 presidential election, only one out of the 11 candidates was a woman.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission also recently conducted by-elections in Chegutu Ward 3, which had all-male candidates, and in Norton Town Ward 3, which included one female candidate among three contenders.
While progress has been made, much more still needs to be done to ensure equal representation. ZESN believes that reviewing the Political Parties Finance Act to incentivise parties that field female candidates is a step in the right direction.
In 2023, UN Women launched a five-year program aimed at promoting women’s participation in politics in Zimbabwe. However, despite these efforts, the number of women featured on ballot papers remains largely unchanged.
Zanu-PF And NCA Praised for Promoting Women’s Participation in Glenview South By-Election
