The Zapu Women’s Union (Zawu) differs with some female leaders who have vowed to campaign for the rejection of the draft constitution if it does not enshrine 50/50 gender parity.
The former liberation movement’s women said devolution of power must be the cornerstone of achieving 50/50 gender parity and would only consider voting against the draft constitution if it does not include that provision.
In an interview with NewsDay, Zawu Bulawayo spokesperson Delight Majola, said as much as her party supported the 50/50 gender parity, it should be a long-term objective that should not unnecessarily delay the new constitution.
“Gender parity is something that should be pursued vigorously at party levels. Our call for gender parity is a lon- term objective that does not call for a no vote on the constitution without considering other factors in the draft. Women have the right to read the draft and make an informed decision based on a broad-based context of human rights. These women leaders should ensure that 50/50 gender parity is implemented within their parties first. It will cascade into national structures through political parties.
“Women’s rights are human rights and we therefore cannot stop the constitution because of 50/50 gender parity. There are other things to consider,” she said.
Recently, women activists drawn from the Sadc region said they were upping their campaign for the adoption of the 50/50 gender parity in all leadership positions in the region.
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Some female political leaders in the country are reportedly mulling using the constitutional review process to ensure the 50/50 gender parity is included in the new constitution that is at the drafting stage.