Source: Sharpen political prowess: Namibian MP –Newsday Zimbabwe
Young female politicians in Zimbabwe should sharpen their political prowess by focusing on innovative topics shaping the regional and international agendas, Namibian lawmaker Inna Hengari has said.
She said this was a necessity as it helped women to claim their space among their male counterparts on the political arena.
Her statement comes at a time when women, especially the youths are struggling to make a mark on Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
Addressing young women politicians during the official launch of the #ElectAYoungWoman initiative by the Women Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) in partnership with consortium partners last week, Hengari said young women should develop interest in serious issues.
“I implore young women to equip themselves with knowledge, skills and experience, stressing that mere election is insufficient.
“To truly make a difference, one must cultivate informed perspectives in global politics, economics, extending beyond gender-related matters,” she said.
Hengari underscored the significance of young women across the political divide in fostering consensus, transcending political differences for the betterment of the ordinary Zimbabwean.
“While challenging, it is imperative that we unite where possible, prioritising the interests of those we advocate for,” she said.
Hengari emphasised the need for young women across the political divide to unite against the common enemy — patriarchy.
“It really does not matter which political party you align with, there has to come a time when you find consensus and fight for a common cause which is the rising up of women in political spaces. If you are not too careful, men can use you to further their agenda,” Hengari said.
WALPE media and publications officer Helen Kadirire said there was need to garner support for young women in political spaces and the organisation was pushing this initiative through the #ElectAYoung Woman Campaign.
Kadirire said the campaign was a powerful tool to develop the country’s politics.
“The initiative was prompted by low numbers of young women who contested and won the 2023 elections and as such we sought to start identifying, grooming and mentoring young women for leadership positions,” she said.
Kadirire said a survey they conducted indicated that young women ended up disappearing from the political arena due to various challenges such as lack of grooming, mentoring and even resources.
“Our target by 2028 is not only to have a larger number but women of quality occupying leadership positions,” she said.
COMMENTS
Easy for you to speak . Try doing it here as a citizen and see where you will turn up . Talk is cheap sister.
Nyoni, I can not disagree with your comment… no one can. Being actually entrapped in an experience such as Zim is the only way to relate to the consequences and horrors.
However, observations from outside Zim do help remind those enslaved by ZANUPF that life in Zim is far from normal within humankind. That is super valuable… especially, when we consider nations such as NKPR where such outside influences are strictly forbidden. The citizens there are impoverished by their communist jailers, and have no clue regarding what is normal in the world outside their borders… the news of which is unlawful.
If ZANUPF can “normalize” the impoverished conditions and totalitarian rule in Zim, and cause the citizens to be desensitized and accept what is, then ZANUPF has won the battle forever.
Mugabe said he owned Zimbabwe… and that is now the unspoken mantra of ZANUPF.