The late Mozambican President Samora Machel once said: “The liberation of women is not an act of charity but a fundamental precondition for the success of our revolution.” These words remain relevant as we reflect on the status of women’s participation in the sphere of politics and decision-making processes on the continent. South African opposition politician Julius Malema once bemoaned the lack of representation of the youth in the Pan African Parliament. Malema’s call come

The 2020 theme for International Women’s Day celebrates women’s rights in line with the United Nations Women’s new multigenerational campaign, Generation Equality. This year’s theme, An Equal World is an Enabled World, focuses on calling for action on accelerating women’s equality. The global day for commemorating International Women’s Day is March 8 and it celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day has been celebrated since 1911 al

“…. It will take another 50 years to achieve gender equality in the political sphere at the current rate of change. Patiently waiting for that to happen is not an option. Tough measures are needed…”.– Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women. Gender inequality remains a cause for concern in Zimbabwe, Africa and the world over. Women still lag in terms of effectively, freely and fully participate in leadership and decision-making positions. Patriarchy remains th

Many cultural practices impinge human rights in Africa and Zimbabwe in particular. Violation of women rights is on the increase regardless of well-crafted and well-intended pieces of legislation. In Zimbabwe, 2013 adopted constitution sections 17 and 80 accord women their full rights to gender equality, property ownership, health, education and empowerment amongst others. However, in many instances, the law fails to achieve its intended aims and objectives owing to the disjun