By Martin Mawaya
Women in the Midlands province across the political divide have expressed preparedness in taking influential positions in all spheres of governance.
Speaking during a virtual meeting in Gweru on strengthening women in leadership positions with the Women Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ), they vowed to unite and take collective action to support, promote, as well as provide the platforms that enhances women’s participation in governance and electoral processes.
Most women who attended the virtual meeting indicated their readiness in challenging the stereotypes that have degraded women status at all levels of leadership.
Female councillors and Members of Parliament who attended the meeting said they will forge to stimulate linkages and networks that strengthens women as well as making accountable to their female counterparts.
“As women, let us lead by example when we are in positions. We need to strengthen one another by educating women at grassroots level about their role in governance and turn tables for the better.
“We are strong in working together as women hence we should rise for the betterment of our great nation and upliftment of the standard of lives for every woman.
“Lets us be principled and firm so that we preserve our self-esteem. We must be role models in all facets of life and be the best tools to win any position that we desire,” said Councillor Mercy Ranga of Kwekwe.
She said women should identify bigger projects such as mining, being owners of companies as well as having appetite to research on how to start successful projects.
“Lets fight and advocate for change from within,” explained councillor Ranga.
Lillian Muchiuno bemoaned lack of support from family to community levels.
“We are living in a patriarchal society that regard women as less important when occupying highest positions in government.
“The society believe that only men can lead and view women as being too weak to be involved in politics or in leadership positions,” she said.
 Fatuma Phiri from Zvishavane echoed Muchiuno sentiments that women are being labelled and called names when they want to take leadership positions.
 “As women, we have suffered from pull her down syndrome and being labelled names when challenging men in leadership positions,” added Phiri.
The Strengthening Women’s Advocacy for Inclusive Governance (SWAG) is one of WCoZ campaign strategy to improve women’s participation in leadership positions in Zimbabwe. #The Sun
