By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo – Ward 1 Councilor, Selina Maridza encourage women to take an active part in the 2023 elections, occupying leadership and decision making roles.
Maridza was speaking at a recent meeting organised by Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe Masvingo Chapter on Strengthening Women’s Advocacy for Inclusive Governance (SWAG).
Women’s participation in the elections will help achieve a gender balance in political posts.
“I encourage women to take advantage of the coming elections in 2023, women should start preparing now. The 30% that was introduced for women should be utilised and have many female Councilors and Members of the Parliament rather than have her stand in for them alone.
There is still a gap when it comes to use women being leaders hence the 50 -50 balance is hard to maintain. Let us utilise the coming elections and display the skills we have when it comes to us being leaders,” she said.
She vowed to help women who want to take leadership positions with mentorship workshop.
“As women we should stand up and not let man always take the lead, gone are the days. Even in churches we should be able to take roles that men possess and not wait for decisions to be made on our behalf. We can do this and nothing can stop us.
Confidence is the way to go but lack of confidence has become a stumbling block for many and that is why we take the passengers position and sit back and wait for others to come up with solutions. Some of us are even shy to stand in front of the people to present our issues,” she said.
She added that there should be equal participation from both parties as issues that affect women are est tackled by women themselves.
“In my ward introduced clubs where by people buy each other properties and groceries and share what will have collected midyear. So far we have 10 clubs. I am trying to foster for women empowerment so that women do not rely on males for survival. As women we can do it, all that man can do we can do and that is why l encourage women to attend functions we call for as they are important for them,” Maridza said.
