Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus

1. Background

The Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus was launched in October 2001 in response to the SADC Parliamentary Forum initiative. The aim of establishing a Women’s Parliamentary Caucus was for women parliamentarians to rise above party politics and address issues of common concern as women.

2. Structure of the Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus

The operations of the Caucus are guided by a Constitution which provides for, among other things, membership and management of the Caucus.

2.1 Membership

Membership to the Caucus is open to all Zimbabwean Women Members of Parliament and Associate Members, upon payment of a prescribed fee.

An Associate Member is any former woman Member of the Parliament of Zimbabwe.

2.2 Management Committee

The current composition of the Management Committee is as follows:

  1.      Chairperson – Hon. G Kwaramba (ZANU PF}
  2.      Vice Chairperson – Hon. S. Budha Masara (MDC-T)
  3.      Secretary – Hon. B Mangora (MDC-T) 
  4.      Vice Secretary – Hon. N Tsuura(ZANU PF)
  5.      Treasurer – Hon. A Rungani (ZANU PF)
  6.      Committee Members – Hon A Chimbudzi (ZANU PF);

                                  Hon. M. Ndlovu (ZANU PF); and

  1.      Ex-Officio Members – Hon. T Gezi (Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly), Hon. C. Madiwa (Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community Small and

Medium Enterprises), 

  1.      Patron of the Caucus – Hon. M Chinomona (ZANU PF) (President of the Senate).
  2.      The Deputy Clerk, Director Research, and the ZWPC Desk Officer are the secretariat of the Caucus.

 

 

3. Objectives

The objectives of the Caucus are to:

a)              Advocate for legislation on gender mainstreaming;

b)             Facilitate the effective implementation of the national gender policy;

c)              Provide a Forum for discussion on matters affecting women in the country, regionally and internationally across party lines;

d)             Develop and establish norms and standards that promote the effective participation of women in Parliament;

e)              Promote and help sensitize all Parliamentarians to the principles of gender equality in the country, regionally and internationally;

f)              Facilitate networking with other organisations and institutions within and outside the country, in activities aimed at promoting gender equality and participation.

4.0           Highlights of Achievements

The ZWPC has recorded notable achievements which include:

4.1           Legislative Business              Lobbied for the: 

4.1.1      Domestic Violence Act -2007

4.1.2      Increase of Women in decision making positions, including Parliament

•        Main Agenda of the ZWPC in 2005 was to achieve 30% women representation in

Parliament and for a women’s quota – lobbied political parties

•        Representation rose from 10.6% – 17% in the House of Assembly

•        Senatorial Elections held in November 2005 achieved 36 seats

•        7th Parliament representation stood at 18.2%, in the 8th Parliament and at 34.9% in the current 9th Parliament.

•        8th Parliament ZWPC witnessed the launch of the 50/50 advocacy campaign

4.1.2 Successfully lobbied for a gender sensitive Constitution – 2013 through

•        Active participation of women

•        Conscientisation of all women in Zimbabwe on what women should advocate for in the new constitution

Establishment of  a pressure group –  the G20,  which was responsible for  monitoring the  processes

Lobbying all women on the eve of the 2nd All Stakeholders conference to speak with one voice on issues affecting women

the outcome gender sensitive national constitution

 

4.4   Capacity Building

The process aims at personal Empowerment and enhancing women Parliamentarians’ understanding of parliamentary business with a view to mainstream gender issues.  Areas covered include:

Media Engagements

Gender Responsive budgeting

Legislative analysis 

Conflict Resolution Management and Transformation

Leadership

Economic and Political Empowerment

Diplomacy, Etiquette and Grooming

4.5   Publications

8th Parliament ZWPC Photobook “Counting the Gains”

ZWPC Newsletter for the First session of the 9th Parliament

9th Parliament ZWPC Contact Data base in line with committees served

Women’s Manifesto 2018-2023

 

5.    Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus Strategic Plan (2018-2023)

The Strategic Plan document was successfully crafted to guide the operations of the Caucus for 5 years. Its Vision, Mission, and values are as follows:

Vision:

Full and equal participation of women in a democratic and gender responsive environment

Mission:

To proactively, with one voice, advocate for legislation, policies and practices that promote

women’s rights and empowerment

Values:

Ø  Commitment to gender equality and peace

Ø  Integrity

Ø  Tolerance

Ø  Respect

Ø  Accountability

 

5.1   Key Strategic issues:

  • Key Result Area 1: Increased women participation in Parliament politics and decision making
  • Key Result Area 2: Enhanced institutional Reforms to advance women’s rights
  • Key Result Area 3: Strengthened resource mobilisation for the Women Caucus