Emmanuel Chitsika
Women in Masvingo have been challenged to take action this year by ensuring they play a key role in 2023 elections by either participating as candidates or supporting fellow women candidates.
The call was made by Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) Masvingo provincial taskforce chairperson Munyaradzi Chauke during the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) International Women’s Day commemorations held on March 11 at ZCTU Southern region boardroom in the city.
“Without saying anything much, let me express my pleasure on the theme by ZCTU ‘Year of Action-building a more equal and inclusive digital society’. I would like to emphasize on the phrase ‘year of action’ and urge women to take charge especially when it comes to this year’s harmonized elections.
“If we look at the issue of elections, the most important aspect is voter registration which is and will remain a continuous process. This 2023 should be your year as women and thus the need for you to take action. Judging by the fact that women are the majority of the national population, as women you should set the pace when it comes to political activity participation,” said Chauke.
He also said women may participate in politics through various other ways.
“As women, one would ask how to participate in politics? You can participate by mobilizing fellow women to register to vote, going to vote on Election Day or even taking part as polling officers, election officers or even agents at respective political parties.
“Above everything else, playing a role as a candidate is another way of participating in electoral systems for women. As women, you should not be seen as spectators in a game where you should be key players. You should challenge men in all leadership positions,” he added.
Chauke also urged responsible authorities to ensure the ‘quota system’ for women truly benefits them unlike a situation where they are exposed to stiff competitions against their male counterparts.
“I f we take a closer look at the quota system, one would realize that at the end women do not fully benefit as intended. It would have been better if particular constituencies would be reserved for women and only women candidates from various political parties should contest.
“A situation whereby for example 80 constituencies would be reserved for women would be ideal unlike putting them in the same primary elections pool where men dominate. Zanu PF for example may set aside a particular constituency for women, but then that very candidate contests against a male from CCC and chances are high that the city will be won by a man,” said Chauke.
Masvingo Urban ward 4 councillor Alec Tabe also urged women to support each other in politics even if it means that the next crop of councillors at Civic Centre will be composed of five female and five males.
“We also wish to see equal representation in council between men and women. At Masvingo city council we strive to ensure a gender-responsive service delivery that would allow women to have time to participate in political activities unlike a situation where they would spend most of their time looking for basic services like water for example.
“In the upcoming elections, we expect women to support each other so that those who vie for political offices will find it easier against men. Such challenges which hinder women participation in politics like violence should be tamed for the benefit of women,” said Tabe.