Women urged to embrace politics

By Dumisani Ndlovu

Aspiring female parliamentary candidates in Gweru has urged women in the Midlands capital to take up political and decision-making positions for their voices to be heard.

The clarion call was made by one of the two aspiring female Gweru MPs, Sibusisiwe Mandizvidza in an exclusive interview with Kwedu News.

The 39 year old Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) youth leader, Mandizvidza who has thrown her hat into the ring to contest for the Gweru Urban Parliamentary seat after her recent nomination in the party’s consensus candidates’ selection started politics while she was in secondary school.

“As a woman who has decided to actively participate in politics after nomination, I know the repercussions associated with my involvement-name calling, smear campaign, assault and insults are most likely be my daily bread.

“I was inspired by the history of my grandfather, who participated and disappeared in the liberation struggle. To me this instil endurance and persistence,” she said.

Mandizvidza, a Systemic therapy by profession said is not new to political challenges remains adamant, despite threats.

“I am no stranger to all the dirty tricks, for I once suffered all these over the years in the MDC. My strength has been to remain standing and keeping the fight for genuine change. It’s not easy to compete with well-resourced and popular men only with open palms, bare hands and on the platform dominated by men”

“I am not afraid because I did not nominate myself but was chosen by people. I will stand firm and serve my party and push my President Nelson Chamisa’s solid vision, clear policies, precise goals and effective strategies, said Mandizvidza who was also nominated as the PR for the provincial affairs.
Cyber bullying and online sexual harassment are some dilemmas that young women trying to rise in Zimbabwe’s patriarchal and male-dominated political space face.

Forty-three years into independence women in public life still face biased, sexist, and discriminatory media treatment, Research has it that over the past few decades women in politics continue to be at a disadvantage when it comes to media coverage.

The aspiring MP, Mandizvidza strongly challenged women rights organisations to encourage all women, particularly in the Midlands capital, to be active members in political parties of their choice,” she said.
“I was worried and wondering why women are not active in Gweru urban politics. That is the reason why I have decided to participate. Women should vie for political office and not just be cheerleaders in the game.”

Mandizvidza was also nominated for Proportional Representation Mp position in the party. Should she decide to be considered for the parliamentary seat, she will face off with deputy mayor Josiah Makombe, Taurai Demo and her fellow female MP aspirant Blessed Mishi in the ongoing nominations.

The former Gweru Mayor, Makombe, who is ward 2 councillor, is also party interim provincial chairperson, while Demo is the Gweru district chairperson. The two are vying for the Gweru Urban constituency seat.

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