POLITICAL parties should incorporate clauses on gender equality into their internal documents and
policies to ensure that women are adequately represented in leadership and decision-making
positions.
In the 23 and 24 August harmonised elections, 637 contestants vied for National Assembly seats, but
only 70 were women, drawn from all political parties and independent candidates. Compared with
the 2018 elections where 237 out of 1 648 candidates were women, this represented a decline from
14 to 11 percent.
There was only one female presidential candidate Elisabeth Valerio, who however, did not garner
enough votes to be elected president.
The Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) has urged political parties to
demonstrate a “political will and sincerity” to the achievement of equality for the benefit of women
seeking in leadership and decision-making positions.
“Going forward, it is imperative that political parties not only incorporate clauses on gender equality
into their internal documents and policies as a way of ensuring that women are adequately
represented in leadership and decision-making positions, but also demonstrate a political will and
sincerity to the achievement of equality,” said WALPE.
WALPE recommended that:
“The electoral voting system must be changed from the first past the post to proportional
representation (with a list in zebra format) as this guarantees gender equality. Citizens must vote for
political parties not individuals as this also insulates women from political violence and vote buying.
“Political parties conduct their internal candidate selection process in a fair manner that allows
women, young women and women with disabilities to participate freely and fairly. That there is a
zero tolerance to all forms of political violence against women.
“Political parties have gender policies that push for the advancement of women in leadership and
decision-making positions.
“Political parties adopt gender equality provisions into their constitutions. Political parties field
women in constituencies where they have a fair chance of winning.
“That ZEC rejects all political party lists that do not have a zebra format going forward. That the
Electoral Act be aligned to the Constitution with regards to gender equality.”
Meanwhile, WALPE reiterated calls by the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres for
peaceful resolution to the election disputes through established legal and institutional channels.
“… the Academy also reiterates the same to all Zimbabweans to promote and maintain a peaceful
environment free from violence, harassment, intimidation and threats.
WALPE urged newly elected women Members of Parliament to push for gender responsive laws and
policies that uplift the lives of all women and girls.
“WALPE also appeals to them to look back and be at the forefront of intergenerational grooming,
mentoring, peace building and resolution and coaching of young aspiring women leaders in
preparation for future elections.
