With the official opening of the 10th Parliament in Zimbabwe, the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) has seized the opportunity to extend its heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed Members of Parliament as they embark on a critical five-year legislative journey.
As the nation’s representatives converge on the August House for the first session, WALPE has called on the legislators to remain resolute in their elected mandate, which is to represent their diverse constituencies and enact laws that uplift every Zimbabwean citizen.
The organization underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach to lawmaking that prioritizes the needs and wants of constituents.
In a statement, WALPE emphasized the necessity for lawmakers to transcend political party lines, gender barriers, and tribal divisions.
Previous parliamentary sessions have been marred by confrontations and name-calling, particularly targeted at women Members of Parliament, a troubling trend that must be rectified for the sake of fostering a more inclusive and respectful political environment.
Moreover, the issue of sexual harassment within the parliamentary sphere cannot be overlooked. WALPE has called for immediate attention to address this pervasive problem, emphasizing that it has hindered the participation of women, young women, and women with disabilities in leadership roles.
In addition to these pressing concerns, WALPE has outlined a series of recommendations aimed at improving the legislative landscape in Zimbabwe. These include:
1. Alignment of the Constitution: WALPE has urged the parliamentarians to align Sections 17, 56, and 80 of the Constitution with various Acts, ensuring that women are protected against gender-based discrimination.
2. Sexual Harassment Legislation: The organization calls for the enactment of a comprehensive Sexual Harassment Act that encompasses both private and public spheres, leaving no room for harassment to persist unchecked.
3. Unpaid Care and Domestic Work Act: WALPE advocates for the creation of an Unpaid Care and Domestic Work Act that will enable aspiring women leaders, young women, and women with disabilities to pursue leadership roles without hindrances related to caregiving responsibilities.
4. Gender Responsive Budgeting: The organization underscores the importance of gender-responsive budgeting, emphasizing the need for increased funding for social services, education, and healthcare, in areas that disproportionately affect women and other vulnerable groups.
