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Multiplying Faces and Amplifying Voices: Do Women’s Lives Matter in Local Governance Politics in Gwanda, Zimbabwe?

Keith Phiri https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0356-3338 [email protected], Sibonokuhle Ndlovu, […], Samukeliso Khumalo, Siphilisiwe Benita Ncube, and Douglas Nyathi+2View all authors and affiliations
Volume 59, Issue 5
https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096221137658

Abstract

Women’s invisibility in political spaces is a glaring reality, particularly in patriarchal polities characterized by misogynistic attitudes towards feminine leadership. This article unpacks the socio-cultural variables that hinder women’s participation in politics and other masculinized spheres of influence. The article focuses on the advocacy efforts of Women’s Institute for Leadership Development in Gwanda, Zimbabwe. The article also details the successes and challenges scored by the lobbying effort. The article uses a qualitative research approach. It discusses the extent and effectiveness of women’s involvement in local governance and how their participation relates to Sustainable Development Goal 5. It was established that the project has greatly improved ordinary women’s participation in local governance in Gwanda Central. Capacity-building strategies implemented improved participation, competence, confidence, and effectiveness of women’s local governance processes. Women are increasingly participating in leadership at various levels. The training and mentorship programmes inspired some women to contest in the 2018 elections. We recommend the government of Zimbabwe and civil society organizations facilitate the implementation of structural reforms that address systemic and institutionalized gender-based discrimination.00263

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Biographies

Dr Keith Phiri is a senior lecturer and researcher in the Department of Development Studies, Lupane State University. His research interests are in climate change, livelihoods, gender, food security and marginalized communities. He is an Eisenhower Fellow for the 2022 cohort.
Dr Sibonokuhle Ndlovu is a senior lecturer and researcher in the Department of Development Studies, Lupane State University. Her research interests are in food security, social protection, climate change and gender.
Ms Samukeliso Khumalo is a development and human rights practitioner and executive director at Women’s Institute for Leadership Development. She is an emerging researcher and publisher on women’s rights, gender equality, leadership, governance, economic development, peace building, political economy and sustainable development.
Mrs Siphilisiwe Benita Ncube is a lecturer and researcher at Lupane State University. She is a published author of educational teaching and learning materials for the Zimbabwean competency based curriculum. She specializes in gender and monitoring and evaluation.
Dr Douglas Nyathi is a senior lecturer at Lupane State University. His research interests include the agrarian question in the Global South, climate change, livelihoods diversification, food security and gender.
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