Women from across the political divide have pledged to ensure that the draft constitution sails through in the constitutional referendum pencilled for March 16 2013.
BY SOFIA MAPURANGA AND DALPHINE TAGWIREYI
The women last week met in Harare for a pre-referendum Women’s Conference, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development in partnership with the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, UN Women and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Harare.
Regional Integration minister, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga said there was need for women to strategise on how to garner a ‘yes’ vote. She said women now faced the mammoth task of ensuring that what they have advocated for is realised.
“What is now left is for us to win this political war before us. It may not be easy but if we maintain our unity of purpose, we will triumph,” said Mushonga.
Minister of Women’s affairs, Olivia Muchena called for increased constitutional literacy among women and pledged government commitment to ensure that the draft constitution sails through.
“CSOs (Civil Society Organisations), go and work out the implementation plan and give our ministry the agenda and we are more than ready to work with you. We are saying as women, let us go and endorse it,” said Muchena.
Muchena’s deputy, Jessie Majome said women should maintain the solidarity that they have exhibited in the constitution-making process.
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“The draft has a feminine outlook unlike the discourse on political issues which is masculine,” she said, adding, “political parties have the capacity to dispel their political guns and exhibit unity of purpose. As women, let us maintain solidarity and support each other to ensure that the draft realises a resounding ‘yes’ vote.”
Vice-President Joice Mujuru said in a speech read on her behalf, that of particular interest was that the proposed constitution provided for the promotion of women’s participation in politics and decision-making.
However, Cecelia Nyoni from Kuwadzana was not happy with the inadequate time given to study the draft constitution before the referendum. She likened this to going for an examination without reading.
MDC Chairperson of the Women’s Assembly Thandie Mlilo spoke on how the constitution-making process had entwined political parties together with a number of cross marriages being recorded during the writing of the new charter.
CSOs have a role to play, says Muchinguri
Zanu PF Secretary for Women’s Affairs and Jomic co-chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri urged civil society to take a leading role in rolling out the constitution awareness campaign programmes to grassroots levels.
“CSOs, you have to appreciate that we are political parties, but we need to move together,” said Muchinguri. “When we move together, we do away with suspicion. As Zanu PF, we are often misunderstood, but we are more than ready to work with you.”
