Women Councilors Face Hurdles to Contribute Meaningfully

Loraine Phiri

A recent Women Leaders Hub meeting organized by WILD shed light on the
significant hurdles faced by women councillors in Zimbabwe as they strive to
effectively participate in local decision-making processes. The meeting, titled
“Empowering Women Leaders for Responsive and Accountable Decision Making in
Local Governance,” highlighted several common challenges, including societal
expectations, limited resources, harassment and intimidation, and a lack of training
and support networks.
Women councillors shared how these challenges combine to create a disadvantage in
their ability to contribute meaningfully. One councillor spoke of societal resistance,
stating, “In my ward, some men still refuse to attend community meetings or
consult with me because I am a woman. They expect me to come to them, not the
other way around.”
Another councilor described a shift in societal attitudes after being elected. “The
way communities treat us is different,” she said. We are held under a magnifying
glass. People might leave conversations when we join, and even at church, some feel
women should not be in politics. How we speak with men is scrutinized, making it
harder to do our jobs.”
The lack of resources emerged as another barrier. “Many innovative projects need
our support, but without resources, it’s difficult to see them through,” explained a
councilor. “Communities have diverse problems, some requiring significant
resources. We need training on lobbying, advocacy, and resource mobilization to
fundraise and push for gender-responsive service delivery in our communities.”
Proportional Representation (PR) councillors also highlighted a gap in
understanding from the government on how the system should function including
areas of jurisdiction. “The government was supposed to explain how PR councillors
would work with elected councillors,” said one. “The current friction limits our
ability to contribute meaningfully.”
The meeting included a session led by WILD board member Mr. Zifiso Masiye, where
women councillors mapped their power and influence. This exercise identified key
stakeholders, potential allies, and areas where they could strengthen their influence
for greater community impact.
Ms. Dudzirai Chiwuta, a ZESN (Zimbabwe Election Support Network)
representative, emphasized the importance of women leaders encouraging other
women to lead and participate in their governance. “If we do not empower and
encourage other women to participate in governance, women will not be there,” she
said. “I commend WILD for promoting gender responsiveness so that women can
fully enjoy democracy in Zimbabwe.”
The women leaders’ hub meeting exposed the challenges faced by women
councillors and offered potential solutions through collaboration, resource
mobilization, and leadership development. By addressing these issues, women can
be empowered to play a more significant role in shaping local governance and
improving the lives of their communities.