Once empowered to decision-making positions in society, the Trust believes women have the capacity to become key players in championing gender responsiveness in their respective communities and institutions.
It came into being after the realisation that despite the existence of a vibrant women’s movement in Zimbabwe, there was a need to address the challenges affecting female politicians.
Active in seven provinces countrywide, the organisation offers training and guidance to institutions and communities on the development and implementation of gender sensitive practices.
Last week it launched the SiMuka Zimbabwe (Arise and Shine) campaign last week, an initiative aimed at encouraging women to take a leading role in the electoral process. The director, Memory Kachambwa stressed the importance of voter participation in elections.
“The campaign encourages women to register to vote, and to vote for other women,” said Kachambwa. She emphasised the need to elevate the status of Zimbabwean woman to enable the development of a better society.
“Our mandate is to contribute to a better society for women – where there is justice, mutual respect, and valuing of every individual no matter their status, political or religious affiliation or sexuality,” she said.
The Women’s Trust not only protects women’s rights but also demands justice where these have been violated. “Our focus is on women but we do work with men to the extent that they are duty bearers and our stakeholders,” said Kachambwa.
“On the ground, our work is made possible by community facilitators and young women leaders.”
The Simuka Zimbabwe campaign is a follow up to the 2007-2008 Women Can Do It!, which raised the visibility of women during the elections and increased public acceptance of women as leaders.
In 2008, there was a 50 percent increase in the number of women who contested parliamentary seats compared to 2005, resulting in a 53 percent candidacy of women in legislative and council polls.
“The aim of the campaign was to raise women’s confidence in their own abilities and motivate them to participate in large numbers in the electoral processes at all levels. Our strategies included radio debates, a dedicated call line SMS and telephone responses, media orientation, jingles, TV programmes, leadership diaries, billboards, and the distribution of pamphlets among others,” explained Kachambwa.
Post published in: News