08-March-2025- The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) joins the world in
commemorating International Women’s Day, a global occasion to honour the
accomplishments and contributions of women across the globe. This year’s theme,
“Accelerate Action: Advancing Gender Equality Now,” calls for an urgent and decisive
push towards achieving gender equality which emphasises the importance of accelerating
efforts to overcome barriers that still limit the full participation of women in society,
politics, and the economy.
As the nation celebrates women’s progress, it is essential to recognise and address the
areas where significant gaps remain. One such area is the decline in women’s
representation in the National Assembly during the 2023 Harmonised Elections from 14.4%
in 2018 to 11%, a troubling setback in the shared pursuit of gender equality. This decline
highlights the systemic and structural barriers and challenges women continue to face in
political participation. Women’s underrepresentation in decision-making bodies not only
limits the diversity of ideas and solutions but also weakens the voice of women in shaping
policies that directly impact their lives.
