Gwanda women reflect on Gender Equality in Leadership
On 13 March 2025, Gwanda witnessed a powerful gathering in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), where women leaders, community members, and policymakers convened to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of women in politics. The event, themed around the iconic Motown 60s, paid homage to the historical contributions of women in the liberation struggle and their ongoing fight for gender equality.
By Jacqueline Ndlovu
Voices of Leadership
The first speaker, Zwelibanzi Mpofu, a seasoned female councillor and alderman from Gwanda, shared her inspiring journey from an ordinary woman to a political leader. She highlighted the persistent resistance from male leaders who often view the acceptance of women’s ideas as a sign of weakness. Reflecting on her initial election experience, Mpofu noted the stark gender imbalance in local governance, with only four out of 20 council seats occupied by women.
Describing the 2023 elections as a “crime scene,” she recounted the inter-party dynamics that sidelined women, causing significant suffering for many would-be candidates. Many discovered at the last minute that their nomination papers had not been properly signed or were disallowed. Mpofu herself submitted her papers as an independent candidate with less than an hour to spare before the deadline.
Despite the myriad challenges, including limited resources and new complications from delimitation, the 2023 elections saw a slight improvement in women’s representation, with two elected female councillors and six securing seats through the proportional representation women’s quota.
However, Mpofu stressed that patriarchal systems continue to oppress women, even within council chambers. Her message was clear: the fight for gender equality in leadership must persist.
Breaking Barriers
The second presentation was delivered by Honourable Nomathemba Ndlovu, a Proportional Representation Member of Parliament. Hon Ndlovu urged women to recognize their leadership potential, drawing parallels between the skills required for successful single motherhood and those needed in leadership roles. Her own background, growing up in a village affected by the Gukurahundi atrocities, fuelled her passion for political participation.
As a resilient advocate against stereotypes, Hon Ndlovu has continually pushed boundaries, acknowledging that religion and culture often contribute to the oppression of women. She discussed the challenges faced in Parliament, where conflicts frequently overshadow progress.
This led her to forge alliances with women across political parties to advocate for gender issues. The chaotic 2023 elections were rife with allegations of candidate selection rigging, a situation that tested her resolve. Hon Ndlovu emphasized the importance of composure and owning one’s narrative amidst such turmoil.
She credited her family for their support during challenging times and highlighted the significance of mentoring young women to step into leadership roles. Hon Ndlovu also stressed the need for women to critically assess their friendships, as support can often wane during difficult periods. She expressed gratitude to organizations like WILD for creating safe spaces for women to share experiences and support one another.
A Collective Call to Action
The event underscored the enduring gender imbalances in political spaces and the necessity for stronger networks among women to combat these challenges. Both speakers reinforced the message that women must continue to challenge patriarchal systems, uplift one another, and mentor the next generation of female leaders.
The Motown 60s theme served as a poignant reminder of women’s historical contributions to the struggles for justice and equality. Just as women played crucial roles in past liberation movements, they must now unite to secure their rightful place in leadership and governance.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the spirit of resilience, unity, and determination among the women of Gwanda remains robust. The journey toward gender equality continues, and with the support of platforms like WILD and WLSB, women leaders will persist in pushing boundaries and advancing toward a more inclusive future.