Harare, (New Ziana)– The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has castigated Zimbabwean political parties for remaining major stumbling blocks to gender equality through hindering women, youth, and persons with disabilities from getting into leadership positions despite the country having progressive constitutional provisions and international commitments.
Speaking at the launch of the Gender Audit of Political Parties Report in Harare 0n Thursday, ZGC chairperson Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe said the audit revealed a worrying gap between the legal frameworks and the lived reality within Zimbabwean political institutions.
“While we celebrate milestones such as the extension of the women’s quota in Parliament and its introduction at local government level, internal party quotas remain non-existent, mentorship and leadership opportunities for women are scarce, and the culture within political parties is far from inclusive,” she said.
The audit, conducted in partnership with HIVOS Southern Africa under the Women Youth Leadership Program (WYLP) and with support from the European Union, sought to assess progress on gender, youth, and inclusivity representation in Parliament and local councils after the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
It also evaluated the implementation of recommendations from the 2018 gender audit.
Findings show that despite constitutional guarantees under Sections 17, 56, 67 and 80, which promote gender equality and political rights, political parties are struggling to align their internal constitutions and practices with these provisions.
According to Mukahanana-Sangarwe, the misalignment has undermined equal representation and stifled inclusivity.
“Political parties are the crucial gatekeepers to public office. Unless they open doors and deliberately dismantle barriers, the vision of an inclusive political system will remain elusive,” she said.
The report also highlights the global scale of the challenge, citing a World Economic Forum warning that it could take 95 years to close the gender gap in political empowerment and nearly half a century for Parliaments worldwide to achieve parity.
To address these gaps, the Gender Audit recommends reforms such as the allocation of adequate financial resources for inclusivity programmes, alignment of party constitutions with national gender laws, and the adoption of deliberate policies to mentor and support women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Mukahanana-Sangarwe underscored that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a national imperative.
“The journey towards equal political representation cannot be shouldered by women alone. It requires collective commitment from all those in positions of power. Inclusion strengthens parties, enhances accountability, and broadens their appeal to a diverse electorate,” she said.
She further described the Gender Audit as more than a monitoring tool, but a “strategic roadmap” for transforming political culture.
Mukahanana-Sangarwe expressed gratitude to HIVOS Southern Africa, the EU and participating political parties for their contributions to the audit process.
“As we launch this report, let us remember that while the struggle for gender equality continues, together we hold the power to bring about meaningful change,” she said.
New Ziana
