A coalition of women’s organizations, The Grassroots Women’s Network, has since November been advocating for a “Yes” vote for the new constitution.
The coalition includes the Self Help Development Foundation (SHDF), Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau, Jekesa Pfungwa/Vulingqondo and the Young Women Christian Association. It argues that the Copac draft “is the best start for Zimbabwean women because most of their rights are well articulated.”
In an interview with The Zimbabwean, Masiyiwa said: “The draft constitution captured the majority of what women have been advocating for and indications are that women are ready to vote. However, it would be unfair for us to advocate for either a yes or no vote because the women themselves have the right to choose what they want.”
She said it is the duty of civic society organisations to assist the government in making sure that people have in-depth knowledge of the contents of the new draft so that they are able to make informed choices when voting.
She urged women to go and have their voices heard through the ballot box considering that this was a constitution “that represents and captures women’s issues.”
Post published in: News