Zimbabwe Women's Network Launches Campaign to Combat Political Gender Violence
WDN-ZW will coordinate its efforts through social media platforms and has invited public participation through email at wdnzimbabwe@gmail.com.
HARARE, Zimbabwe— The Women's Democracy Network Zimbabwe (WDN-ZW) is spearheading a nationwide campaign to address gender-based violence in politics, highlighting how intimidation and harassment continue to block women's path to leadership, writes Winston Mwale.
As the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, the organization warns that systemic violence threatens women's political participation in Zimbabwe.
"The persistent presence of Gender-Based Violence in our societies is a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities that perpetuate violence against women," said a WDN-ZW spokesperson.
"Most women leaders and aspiring leaders experience personal attacks chanted in slogans and character attacks."
The network reports that women candidates often face targeted harassment, including body shaming, sexual slurs, and exploitation of their personal histories.
Some withdraw their candidacies due to fear, while others decline leadership appointments to avoid politically motivated violence.
WDN-ZW's campaign, part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, will feature online forums, stakeholder dialogues, and solidarity actions for survivors.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations' 2024 theme "UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls."
The organization particularly criticized political parties' lack of internal mechanisms to address gender-based violence, noting that perpetrators often act with impunity due to insufficient reporting and support systems.
"This creates a toxic political landscape that demobilizes women's political ambitions," the spokesperson said. "Some even experience GBV from their families, who struggle with the pressure of collective hate and political humiliation."
The campaign calls for fundamental reforms in Zimbabwe's political culture, including establishing GBV reporting mechanisms for women political leaders and strengthening enforcement of existing protection laws.
WDN-ZW will coordinate its efforts through social media platforms and has invited public participation through email at wdnzimbabwe@gmail.com.