The early signs are not promising – the Joint Monitoring and
Implementation Committee (JOMIC), the body which will monitor all
parties’ compliance with the Global Political Agreement (GPA) was
formed Jan. 30. Of its 12 members, only three are women, one from each
party, strongly suggesting a token presence.
IPS spoke with Theresa Mugadza, a lawyer, human rights activist and one
of the coordinators of the Feminist Political Education Project
(FePEP), which has actively engaged regional and national leaders
throughout the contested elections and the negotiations since. FePEP
also works with ordinary women inside Zimbabwe, as part of ensuring
that women’s voices and views are part of the political development of
Zimbabwe.
IPS: The government has appointed only three women to the 12-member
JOMIC: what are the prospects of adequate representation of women in
Zimbabwe’s new government?
Theresa Mugadza: The composition of women in JOMIC is actually 25
percent female representation, a far cry from the Southern Africa
Development Community (SADC) Gender Protocol and African Union (AU)
guidelines which outline that there must be 50-50 representation by
2010. Given this, I don’t have confidence that we will see more women
being represented in the new government.
IPS: What is the argument here: is it having women in decision-making positions for the sake of it?
TM: The argument is that we want to see more women of substance in
positions of authority, not to make up numbers. We have many competent
women who can deliver more than males who have failed over time. We
feel it’s time that women are given a chance.
There are several examples of women who have distinguished themselves
in corporate environments and can do the same in politics. There are
many examples in the region such as South Africa’s Foreign Affairs
Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who has distinguished herself in
diplomatic circles helping to address many political disputes around
the continent.
It is important to note that there are women in Zimbabwe who are
capable of taking any positions in government as evidenced by the roles
that many celebrated women in Zimbabwe are already playing on the
international scene.
For example MDC legislator Paurina Mpariwa is a prominent member of the
Pan African Parliament. Lucia Matibenga led the regional labour body,
Southern African Trade Union Coordination Council and sat on the
governing board of International Labour Organisation.
These are just a few who have a proven track record among many and I don’t see why they should not be in government.
IPS: But what difference would we expect women to make if included in government?
TM: A different way of doing things. Women are not as shy as men. Look
at how they have performed in the South African government which has
recognised their worth by continuing retaining faith in them because of
how they have distinguished themselves as women. They have approached
issues in a more business-like manner and in most cases have got the
job done.
IPS: How is the crisis in Zimbabwe gendered – what are the different
impacts for women of economic collapse, health problems, food
shortages, and political violence?
TM: It has further compounded the problem of gender and more and more
men are likely to see women more as sex objects because of the
political violence that women were subjected to, which affected them
physically and emotionally, draining whatever confidence that they
might have had.
IPS: In your view, how should the reconstruction of the country be approached to address these specific impacts?
TM: We would like to see women playing an active role in the governance
of the country. This is a perfect opportunity for this new government
to deal with issues of gender equality and gender justice.
The preamble of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Zanu-PF
and the two MDC parties recognises the need to build a society founded
on justice and equality. This input on gender justice should be
recognised. There should be a deliberate and conscious effort to give
women a political voice.
IPS: What are your own overall expectations of the new government?
TM: This is an opportunity to do things differently. The world is watching us.
There is a need to have an overhaul of the legislative statutes from
the constitution to the actual legislative acts embracing gender
equality. It is time to push for 50-50 representation. Capable women
are there and we can provide them in every sector.
To the political leaders we say there is nothing shameful about
consulting the various organisations dealing with women, they can
provide capable figures that can move the country forward.
(IPS)
Post published in: News