BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) Zimbabwe has launched the InvestInHerCampaign which seeks to advocate for the increased political and socio-economic empowerment of women.
The campaign which is running for the month of March, which is known as the Women’s History Month, will seek to amplify women’s voices, action and leadership.
Daphne Machiri, Campaign Coordinator, further added that it (campaign) is also meant to celebrate women’s power, resilience, leadership and respect.
“The objective of the campaign is to, promote women’s inclusion and participation in democratic processes; commemorate women’s month by raising public awareness on International Women’s Day on the 8th under the theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, on WDN ZW social media platforms and to create platforms for promoting women political leaders solidarity support.
“In addition, the campaign seeks to recognize women’s achievements in political leadership facets and not only politically and also their contributions towards socio-economic development.
“In promoting sustainable democracy, by promoting women political leaders, decision making positions and process claiming to take action to drive gender parity; women leaders and gender champions will be sharing their experience, success, challenges and their opinion during the #InvestinHerCampaign through their voices on various media platforms.
“Nonetheless, WDN’s willpower and contributions are to champion and advance women’s rights and inclusion, in addressing gender imbalance in Zimbabwe’s political leadership,” said Machiri.
She further revealed that WDN-ZW’s work fosters change in making sure there are equal opportunities for both men and women to participate in all levels of political decision making.
“We are working towards a gender equal world, a world free of partiality, stereotyping, discrimination, ferocity.
“A world that is inclusive, equitable and diverse. Women working towards achieving equality in leadership positions collectively and rise to stimulate inclusion in line with international women’s day theme.
“This campaign therefore provides an opportunity to increase political will, commitment and encourage political decision makers to strive to ensure adequate space is created for women and support mechanisms are strengthened to ensure public recognition and respect of women’s rights and leadership across multiple sectors in the country; be it political, economic and social.
“Furthermore, the WDN #InvestInHerCampaign also seeks to leverage voices on issues that affect women’s participation in leadership and decision making process, the campaign will be an opportunity for women led organisations from various sectors to make concerted efforts in creating more opportunities for women and strive to ensure gender equality,” added Machiri.
It was also stressed that women must have consistent representation in the political arena, and this can only happen when they have access to equal opportunities to participate in all levels of political decision making. It was also revealed that there are exceptional measures which must be put in place so as to address this imbalance, so as to ensure that women are fully involved in Zimbabwe and the world’s political leadership.
Machiri also revealed that in overcoming barriers faced by women; strengthening women’s leadership capacities and gender responsive policy making is crucial for the development and progress of any society and key to achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls).
It was also revealed that unlocking women’s power will mean ensuring an enabling environment for women to assert and enjoy their rights, facilitating women equal leadership and participation in democracy processes opportunities, access to education and healthcare, and the ability to make decisions that affect their lives.
“When women own their power, they are able to contribute significantly and sustainably to the economy, participate in politics, and advocate for their rights, “ added Machiri.
