Recent political developments in Zimbabwe have taken an intriguing turn. The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has issued a clarion call to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Their plea? To honor the nation’s Constitution by ensuring the next Cabinet achieves gender balance.
The backbone of their argument rests on section 17(1)(b) of the Zimbabwean Constitution. This section mandates the State to work towards guaranteeing that women account for at least half the membership of all elected and appointed governmental entities. In a historically patriarchal society, such constitutional provisions are a beacon of hope for gender equality advocates.
But what has triggered this clarion call from WCoZ?
The answer lies in the recent elections held on August 23 and 24. With the term of the previous Cabinet coming to a close, new appointments are on the horizon. Given the power and influence of the Cabinet, these appointments must reflect the nation’s commitment to gender equality.
In a detailed statement, the coalition pointed out the obligations placed on the President by the Constitution: “The President of Zimbabwe is governed by section 104(4) of the Constitution when making his appointments, and he must do so with a keen awareness of gender balance.”
Historical statistics regarding ministerial appointments present a concerning picture. The last Cabinet saw men occupying 76% of the positions, leaving women with a mere 24%. Fast forward to January 2023, and the number of women leading ministries had trickled down to just five. This alarming gender disparity ranks Zimbabwe at 77 among 190 countries regarding female representation at ministerial levels, as indicated by an Inter-Parliamentary Union report from January 2023.
Mercy Jaravani, the Programmes Manager for WCoZ, sheds light on the more enormous implications of this gender disparity. According to her, the recent elections, especially the contest for the National Assembly, have further exposed “the patriarchal nature of public leadership.” Such a skew not only marginalizes women but also underscores the systemic barriers they face in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
The representation of women in leadership roles goes beyond just statistics. As highlighted by WCoZ, women in the Cabinet don’t only symbolize numerical models. They bring to the table their unique lived experiences, offering nuanced perspectives and insights. Such diversity is imperative for a nation striving for holistic growth and progress.
The coalition’s recommendations do not stop at gender balance. They also push for youth representation, particularly young women, in the upcoming ministerial appointments. This forward-looking approach aims to ensure that the country’s leadership resonates with the aspirations of its younger population, fostering policies that cater to their needs and ambitions.
While the President’s response remains to be seen, there is palpable anticipation among many Zimbabweans. They hope the nation will take a progressive stride toward achieving genuine gender equality in its corridors of power.
The upcoming days are critical, with every announcement from the Presidential office being closely monitored. As Zimbabwe stands on the cusp of potential change, The Zimbabwe Advocate remains committed to bringing you comprehensive coverage on this pivotal issue.
