Prejudice, stereotyping, and bullying must not stand in the way of women’s participation in politics. Representation in democratic processes paves the way for their advancement into public leadership roles and the elimination of gender disparities, wrote Amujae Leader Fadzayi Mahere in a recent op-ed in The Guardian.

After running for parliament as an independent candidate in 2018, Ms. Mahere joined Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, where she was appointed Shadow Secretary for Education, Sport and Culture. Ms. Mahere sees her venture into the world of politics as an example for other women to strive for leadership in the political, social, and economic realms:

“Investing in the next generation of female leaders creates models in the public imagination and pushes more women to get involved. It builds courage.”

 Noting the low levels of representation of women in political parties, parliament and the government in Zimbabwe, Ms. Mahere argued that many can be discouraged by the constant prejudice and gender-stereotyping in the world of politics. This, however, did not dissuade her from pursuing a career in politics:

“I deal with it by choosing not to be a victim… I focus on what I can control: my competence and my delivery. It takes time to gain public trust.”

 Zimbabwe has “all the ingredients necessary for success,” she wrote, urging women to vote in the 2023 elections to elect “non-patriarchal women and men who will address the gender disparities” in the country.

Read the full op-ed here: https://bit.ly/3qdyWR0