Though half of the world’s population, women continue to be under-represented as voters, party leaders and elected officials. Just over 20 percent of parliamentarians worldwide are women.
Parties – the primary gateway for women to elective and leadership positions – often have complex hierarchies and entrenched leadership that hold women back. They are often discouraged early on from entering politics because they have a vague idea that running for office would be harder for them based on their gender.
In parliamentary systems, women are often placed low on party lists so they are unlikely to be elected or are excluded from leadership positions and platform development.
Greater women’s representation in politics contributes to a more equitable distribution of community resources, including more gender-sensitive spending on programmes related to health, nutrition, and education. Evidence is strong that as more women are elected, countries experience higher standards of living; the priorities of families, women and minorities are addressed; and confidence in democracy goes up.
One international think tank organisation noted that in countries as diverse as Croatia, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa and Timor-Leste, having more female lawmakers have led to legislation related to anti-discrimination, domestic violence, inheritance and child support.
Many countries have implemented gender quotas in efforts to level the playing field for women running for office.
Increasing women’s representation in the government will not only empower women but is necessary to achieve gender parity.
Women’s political empowerment and equal access to leadership positions at all levels are also fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a more equitable world.
With limited growth in women’s representation, advancement of gender equality and the success of the SDGs are jeopardised.
That is in recognition of these systemic and institutional barriers women face in their participation in democracies, the onus should not fall squarely on the shoulders of women as individuals to confront the underrepresentation problem.
From recruitment and the political establishment to concerns about campaign funding inequities to wealth gaps and the high costs of a political career, that women would not be interested in running for office could be considered less of an ambition gap and more of a rational choice.
Speaking at the World Day of Prayer organised by women from different Christian denominations in Harare on Saturday, Minister for Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Dr Sithembiso Nyoni said women, specifically those from religious backgrounds such as the church should actively participate in national politics to instil Christian values that help mould a strong country and economy.
The cabinet minister said that women believers are an integral part of the nation and should be included in all facets of the economy.
She also commended organisations such as Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) for economically empowering young women countrywide.
“One way to serve your country is to become a politician. You have the responsibility, ladies of the church, to produce women to lead this country with values of the church,” said Dr Nyoni.
“If you do not build them, we will be led by immoral people, and this country will go to the dogs because the objectives of the politicians will be those of lining their pockets using State funds.
“But if you nurture women, the way YWCA nurtured us, this country will have women who will bring out what this country really needs.
“I remember Angeline Makwavarara, the then president of YWCA soon after independence, was sent to the Government with some documents on recommendations and resolutions from women in the church. She later became the first secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs.”
Dr Nyoni also commended Christian civil society organisations that have partnered the Government on initiatives to empower women.
YWCA national general secretary, Mrs Muchanyara Mukamuri said women played an important role in praying for peace in society.
World Day of Prayer is celebrated annually on March 1.
This year’s event was held under the theme: “Come – Everything is Ready!”, with Slovenia being the host for the main prayer.
Zimbabwe will host the main event next year.
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