The Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (Zesn) says the underrepresentation of women in Zimbabwean politics is not merely a numerical issue but a systemic challenge that undermines the principles of democracy and equality.
Zesn said this in a statement Friday as the world today celebrated International Women's Day running under the theme “Inspire Inclusion.”
Zesn said the underrepresentation of women in politics was also further compounded by the convergence of traditional patriarchal gender stereotypes and societies historically accustomed to gender-based violence, which prevent women from asserting their political rights.
"The day comes at a time when the network is reflecting on the low state of women's participation in democratic electoral processes in Zimbabwe and lobbying various stakeholders on alignment of the Electoral Act with the Constitution of Zimbabwe to explicitly incorporate gender equality provisions, particularly in Sections 3, 17, 56, and 80 to ensure promotion and protection of women's participation in politics," Zesn said.
The election watchdog said despite the country being a signatory to various gender equality frameworks at both regional and international levels, the reality on the ground painted a different picture.
"However, despite the provision of progressive legislative frameworks, the August 2023 harmonised elections indicated that women's participation in politics saw a concerning decline compared to previous elections.
