The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has been applauded for its efforts to place women in influential positions following last month’s elections. This initiative has led to the election of female mayors and deputy mayors in several cities across Zimbabwe.
Sophia Gwasira became the first female mayor of Mutare, followed by Annah Sande in Epworth, and 25-year-old Shantel Chiwara in Masvingo. In addition to these mayoral positions, Kudzai Kadzombe and Nyaradzo Madzikura were elected as deputy mayors in Harare and Gweru, respectively.
This move towards gender equality in local governance has been commended by women’s organizations and political analysts, who see it as a significant step forward for women’s leadership in Zimbabwe.
While Section 17 of Zimbabwe’s constitution calls for equal representation of women in political parties and at the national level, gender parity remains elusive in both local and central government.
According to the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (Walpe), out of the 70 women who contested parliamentary seats under CCC and Zanu-PF in August, only 21 emerged victorious.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa also faced criticism for appointing only six women out of 26 members to his cabinet.
Women’s rights organizations lauded CCC’s policy of electing female mayors, emphasizing that these women were chosen by the electorate based on their qualifications as councilors, not as favors.
They also acknowledged the challenges these female leaders might face and expressed their commitment to providing support during their terms in office.
The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe and Walpe agreed that the appointment of female mayors marked a significant change and provided positive role models for younger women and girls aspiring to leadership positions. Political analysts viewed this development as a historic game-changer, demonstrating that women could lead effectively in local governance.
While these appointments are seen as a positive step towards gender equality, observers hope that the momentum will continue and that more women will take on leadership roles in Zimbabwe’s political landscape, including the presidency.
The selection of female mayors and deputy mayors is seen as a reflection of progressive political thinking within CCC, setting a high bar for these leaders to deliver on their promises and uphold the confidence placed in them by their party and constituents.
Source Bulawayo24
