WOMEN’S rights group, the Women’s Coalition in Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has amplified calls for the inclusion of rural women in key decision-making platforms, saying their involvement in the realisation of sustainable development goals is crucial.
The call comes at a time when the number of rural women as agents of change continues to decrease within the region and across the globe.
WCoZ chairperson Muchanyara Mukamuri said it was disheartening that women in rural communities still face the brunt of lack of representation.
“Grassroots women are often overlooked in leadership dialogues. They bring invaluable perspectives that will shape their experiences within communities,” she said.
“They are the backbone of local economies, the nurturers of future generations, the defenders of human rights at the most basic level.”
Mukamuri added that women persistently face numerous challenges compounded by patriarchal systems, socio-economic barriers and political violence, among other bottlenecks.
“Yet, despite the obstacles, women continue to lead with courage, with resilience and an unwavering commitment to justice,” she said.
“We recognise that for two years in a row, it is imperative that grassroots women are not only present, but actively engaged in key women leadership discussions.
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“In this regard, the women’s movement has ensured the participation of women from the grassroots by bringing them to the table from all corners of Zimbabwe.”
Mukamuri also said the advancement of women’s leadership is crucial to achieving gender equality and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
“We stand firm in our commitment to empower women at all levels of society, ensuring that their voices are heard, their rights protected, and their contributions also recognised.”
She urged the government to re-look into the power process to ensure 50-50 representation across all leadership positions, from the grassroots to the top level.
