Gender Equality In Zimbabwe

Additionally, Section 3 (g) of the same Constitution aims to avert the imbalances that have bedeviled proper women representation and sets out gender equality as one of the values upon which Zimbabwe is founded; placed on a par with values such as the rule of law, good governance and supremacy of the Constitution (2013). While the need to promote full participation of women in all spheres of society on the basis of equality is constitutional, it is unfortunate that this has not been translated in letter and in spirit. This has necessitated NGOs to stand in the gap by playing a pivotal role of empowering women for political careers, training them and equipping them for political offices.

Women’s empowerment has been seen as the process by which

To buttress this argument is the fact that Zimbabwe has sustained the British form of government that excluded women from all activities, including politics. Despite the efforts by NGOs to improve the situation, women still lack adequate civic education, access to resources thereby making it difficult for them to pursue their interests or embark on political agendas (Dauda, 2007). This contradicts the spirit of transition to democracy through women’s participation in politics. Ballington (2008), notes that the attainment of gender equality and the full participation of women in decision making are key indicators of democracy. The involvement of women in all aspects of political life produces more equitable societies and delivers a stronger and more representative democracy.

Women empowerment is a multi-dimensional process involving the transformation of the economical, political, social, psychological and legal circumstances of the powerless, aiming to dismantle cultural, traditional and social norms, which undervalue, disempower and dispossess women. This definition has been reinforced in practice by NGOs’ endeavours to encourage women the develop themselves and contribute more meaningfully to

It aims to assess Chitungwiza women perceptions firstly at the level of councillors on what the NGOs have done this far to propel them for participation. Secondly, and equally importantly, the research aspires to assess perceptions of the Chitungwiza women in general on how the NGOs have managed to build their confidence as equal partners with their male counterparts. The research is highly significant because it potentially allows self-introspection by the NGOs and adjusts their programming where necessary. The research also potentially boosts the political ambitions of sitting councillors not to give up their political careers but rather seek for re-election in the 2018 elections. This study also brings to the fore challenges, if any, that women continue to face in participation in politics irrespective of the empowerment and capacitating strategies by