Zimbabwe benefits from the increased representation of women in political parties and elected office.

Zimbabwe adopted a constitution in 2013 which incorporated provisions for the achievement of gender equality under section 17, 56 and 80. Despite the provisions in the 2013 Zimbabwe Constitution especially section 17, 56 and 80 that promote gender balance, there is still a long way to go before gender parity in political representation becomes a reality in Zimbabwe, particularly for women who have been marginalized for centuries. The call by the Government to extend the piecemeal gender equality provision confirms the stance of critics of the 2013 Constitution, who have pointed out that it is too early for women to celebrate since time would prove that provisions were mere window dressing. Despite the gender equality clauses in the Constitution there has been an outcry from women who see no political will on the part of the powers-that-be to ensure that gender equality is realized... Despite all the challenges faced by the proportional representation quota system, the Government still want to go ahead and extend the system instead of simply implementing provisions of section 17, 56 and 80 of the Constitution which speak to gender equality.

Women’s equal participation in decision-making is not only a demand for simple justice or democracy but can also be seen as a necessary condition for women’s interests to be taken into account. Without the active participation of women and the incorporation of women’s perspective at all levels of decision making, the goals of equality, development and peace cannot be achieved. Any society like Zimbabwe benefits from the increased representation of women in political parties and elected office. Women’s political presence can ensure that policy issues affecting women in particular are channeled into political debates, raise awareness about gender-based discrimination in all spheres of political and public life and enhance socio-economic development. The presence of women in political office, both elected and appointed, can increase the political system’s legitimacy and thus, public confidence in the system.

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