BREAKING THE POLITICAL GLASS CEILING

Lydia Banda

In the vibrant landscape of Zimbabwean politics, a stirring wave of change is
reshaping the traditionally male-dominated spheres of power and leadership. The
narrative of women gradually shattering the political glass ceiling in Zimbabwe is
one that resonates with resilience, determination, and a quest for gender equality in
governance.
Historically, Zimbabwean politics has been predominantly dominated by men, with
women often confined to supporting roles or marginalized positions. However,
recent years have witnessed a notable shift as more women step forward to
challenge these norms and claim their rightful place at the decision-making table.
One of the key catalysts propelling this transformation is the concerted efforts of
women activists, civil society organizations, and political leaders advocating for
gender equality and women’s empowerment in politics. These trailblazers have been
instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of diverse representation in
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governance and the invaluable contributions that women bring to the table.
Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD), plays a major role in
driving change for women’s political leadership and inclusive governance in
Zimbabwe. Having empowered urban and rural women in Bulawayo, Matabeleland
North and Matabeleland South, the organization has recorded a significant number
of success stories since its inception through its Mentorship school and Women
Voices Matter, programs whose main endeavor continues to capacitate aspiring
women political leaders with skills development, effective communication, and
psychosocial support among others. Having made so much progress in empowering
women political aspirants with education and leadership skills, challenges still
persist on the journey to breaking the political glass ceiling in Zimbabwe.
Deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes, limited access to resources and networks, and
institutional barriers continue to hinder the full participation of women in politics.
Additionally, cultural biases and stereotypes often create formidable obstacles for
women aspiring to leadership positions.
Sithokozile Sibanda from Gwanda a beneficiary of the Mentoring school and Women
Voices Matter said: I have always wanted to stand for my community and represent
other women particularly the ones with disabilities. However, I have faced so much
negativity by my male and female counterparts. This did not affect my performance
alone by my mental health as I have to deal with bullying and name calling from my
own family and community ever since I started this political journey.
While Zimbabwe faces challenges with women’s political participation, it’s not
alone. Exploring other countries like Kenya reveals similar hurdles but also inspiring
efforts. Honorable Marther Karua, a 2013 Presidential Candidate and a Minister of
Resources, Management and Development between 2003 and 2005, speaks out on
the effects of patriarchy and its impact on divorced or unmarried women. Karua
emphasizes on the need to shut out acts against violence, propaganda, slander and
hate speech. Karua encourages stakeholders across all sectors to support women
who want to pursue politics and venture into leadership positions by availing access
to equal funding and economically empower women. Karua speaks highly on gender
equality, however she highlights that women and girl’s voices are too easily
excluded from national decision making processes which is why it is a challenge to
achieve gender equality. This means that a woman’s voice is her ability to become a
leader in her sphere of influence and the wider the landscape is the deeper the
foundation for the achievement of sustainable development.
To address these challenges and foster a more inclusive political landscape, a
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multi-faceted approach is essential. This includes implementing gender-sensitive
policies, ensuring equal access to political opportunities, promoting mentorship and
capacity-building initiatives for aspiring female leaders, and engaging men as allies
in advancing gender equality in politics. This also means that, there is need to
develop training manuals, create situation rooms and raise public awareness on
educating and sensitizing the society on the importance of inclusion of women, girls
and people with disabilities in decision making processes. This perpetuates positive
consciousness on women’s political and leadership activities hence promoting
generation of data and research.
The impact of increased women’s representation in Zimbabwean politics cannot be
overstated. Women bring unique perspectives, priorities, and experiences to
governance, enriching decision-making processes and amplifying the voices of
marginalized groups. By breaking the political glass ceiling, Zimbabwe stands to
benefit from a more inclusive, equitable, and effective political system that truly
reflects the diversity of its population.
Chipo Dube said her passion to drive development and make a difference in her
community inspired her to pursue politics.
“I have a passion for my community and am committed to be fully involved in its
growth and development. In 2014 there was a high case of armed robberies exposing
communities to distress and uncertainties of their safety mostly because there was
under service of logistical infrastructure to at least maximize safety of community
members. I felt compelled to have a conversation with the then councilor in my ward
about maximizing safety in our area and encouraging the legislature of the
constituency to also engage law enforcers in mobilizing safety measures for the
community at large. At that point I initiated a successful community mobilization
drive towards a community policing forum and was approached by my community
members to represent them in various platforms. That is when I took up the request
and started my journey in politics in 2015.
Asked what challenges she has faced in her political journey Sibanda said: “It has
mostly been institutional challenges, like leadership crisis that would be
authoritarian, limited representation of all demographies concerned leading to
policies that would not speak to everyone involved, gender dynamics that exposed
mostly women to sexual harassment, cyber bullying and power struggles. I
personally overcame these by seeking authorities with relevant powers which still
was not easy to do and achieving of which I would say is still work in progress for
everyone who does not have influence and power to do so.
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Sibanda encouraged women who want to pursue politics to be bold and courageous.
“It is important for women who want to be politicians to be strong and be bold. It’s
not always easy. Sometimes you will be rewarded with boyfriends you have never
heard or seen as part of tactics meant to degrade you. Stories will be written and told
about you that you’ve never been part of as a means to make you quit, but you have
to be strong and stand your ground in face of challenges and obstacles. Mostly, know
your purpose and role in your journey.
As women in Zimbabwe continue to fight towards a more inclusive and
gender-balanced political landscape, the resilience and tenacity of women leaders
serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. By collectively championing the cause of
gender equality in politics, we can collectively pave the way for a brighter and more
equitable future for all Zimbabweans.