The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has raised concerns over the apparent gender disparity within the Youth Quota in the National Assembly, highlighting the need for political parties to actively work towards reducing this imbalance to foster greater youth participation in electoral processes. Marking National Youth Day on February 21, ZESN praised the establishment of the Youth Quota as a step forward in enhancing democratic governance and youth advocacy. However, the organization pointed out a significant gender gap, noting that out of 10 youth Members of Parliament (MPs) elected under this quota, only three were female.
This discrepancy, according to ZESN, not only contravenes the principle of gender equality but also limits the comprehensive representation of youth perspectives in legislative discussions. ZESN advocates for political parties to implement affirmative action strategies to elevate young women into leadership roles across both party frameworks and electoral candidacies, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in political representation.
The recent elections in August 2023 saw a mere 35 young individuals securing positions within the National Assembly, with 17 being directly elected, 10 through the Youth Quota, and eight via the Women’s Quota. This figure represents only 12.5% of the 280-member National Assembly, a stark contrast to the demographic composition of Zimbabwe, where youths constitute over 60% of the population. The underrepresentation of this significant demographic segment in critical areas of electoral, governance, policy, and legislative affairs is a pressing issue that ZESN believes needs immediate attention.
The organization underscores the crucial role young people play in driving sustainable development and enhancing inclusive governance, as recognized by the global community, including bodies such as the United Nations and the African Union. Given Zimbabwe’s commitment to various international agreements, ZESN stresses the country’s obligation to honor these principles and ensure that youths, particularly young women, are adequately represented in governance structures.
The low participation rate of youths, and especially women, in recent electoral processes has sparked widespread concern. In response, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission has proposed that political parties be mandated to achieve gender balance within their nomination processes to address this issue effectively. This proposal aligns with ZESN’s call for affirmative action measures, highlighting a collective recognition of the need for systemic changes to promote gender equality and youth participation in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
As Zimbabwe continues to navigate its path towards democratic governance, the focus on gender disparity and youth underrepresentation remains a critical concern that demands comprehensive strategies and dedicated efforts from all political stakeholders. Ensuring the active and equitable involvement of young women in political processes not only strengthens the principles of democracy and equality but also paves the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking governance model that reflects the diverse voices and aspirations of Zimbabwe’s youth.
Source: Newsday
