Is Mujuru going to Rescue Zimbabweans?

Joyce Mujuru was demoted as the vice president of Zimbabwe at the end of 2014. More to that; she was thrown out of ZANU-PF party with other several former ZANU-PF members. The media has been reporting that she is in the process of forming a new party, which is meant to challenge Robert Mugabe's party in 2018.

Recently Mujuru's supporters are said to be crying out loud that Mujuru should rescue them. Daily News posited that:

"Ousted former Vice President Joice Mujuru’s supporters have thrown down the gauntlet by urging her to “stand up to tyranny”, as many have sought to rally the ex-President Robert Mugabe’s deputy to challenge the 91-year-old."

This therefore reveals that females are now succeeding in the political field. This is because people now have the guts to seek for help from female politicians who were regarded as weak in the old days

Margaret opened the door for female politicians in the UK.

Females tend to take a long journey in order for them to succeed in the political arena. Who knows maybe this might bring a conclusion that women are weak when it comes to politics, especially in the past. There were a few females who seemed to be so into politics. Women like Nacy Astor became the first female politicians to make it in the political carrier.

This lady entered politics in 1919 and she became the first woman to sit as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons.

did you know that men now need women's help in the political field?

Nowadays we meet men coming together with female politicians to try and succeed in their political carrier. They need woman power and woman's wisdom to make it in their political journey. For example it is said that the MDC-T president is in a position to join Joyce Mujuru inorder to fight and challenge Robert Mugabe in the next coming votes. According to the Voice of America Tsvangirai said ZANU-PF will not make it without Joyce Mujuru. Also, the media has been saying that the leader of MDC-T now wants to join hands with the former Zimbabwean Vice president Joyce Mujuru.

women take their time to respond to political wars...

Female politicians do not jump into fighting back their wars, they kindly wait for the right time. They take their time, of which I can say they do not react fast. Woman take their things slows but surely. It may take years for a female politicians to take a step about her intentions in the political arena. For example Amai Grace Mugabe was quiet for some time and all of a sudden she came with fire into the political field. At that time (end of 2014) she managed to accomplish her goals, she managed to get rid of Amai Joyce Mujuru. Thus this reveals how women take their time to fight their wars.

Another example is Joyce Mujuru who was evicted from ZANU-PF party and was demoted from being the Zimbabwean vice president. This woman just went quiet, she did not fight back soon after her eviction. However, it is said that Mujuru and other former ZANU-PF members who were dumped by ZANU-PF are planning to form a new party. That is Mujuru took her time to try and fight back at Mugabe and Grace.

Find out the truth about Shirley Chisholm

In most cases women seem to be not interested in political affairs, especially in the old days. People believed that politics is meant for men only and women were regarded as weak, they were associated with house  chores and looking after children and their husbands. Fortunately there are some women who crashed that, even if it was during the period where women were not regarded as people who can stand political situations. 

Women like Shirley Chisholm became the first African-American congresswoman in 1968. Four years later, she became the first major-party black candidate to make a bid for the U.S. presidency.

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm made history by becoming the United States' first African-American congresswoman, beginning the first of seven terms in the House of Representatives. After initially being assigned to the House Forestry Committee, she shocked many by demanding reassignment. She was placed on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, eventually graduating to the Education and Labor Committee. In 1969, Chisholm became one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Are we gonna have a female president of a political party in Zimbabwe?

All Zimbabwean political parties are led by men. It needs a brave woman who will stand up and break the record. However Amai Joyce Mujuru is said to be planning to launch a new political party. She is planning this together with other former ZANU-PF members who were expelled from the party.

If ever they are gonna succeed in their plan, Amai Mujuru will probably be the first female president of a political party in Zimbabwe. This therefore can be regarded as an achievement to Zimbabwean women considering that our women are always led by men in political issues or in political parties.

"Mujuru will be the leader of the party whose active officials would be new and young party members while those old and experienced members would form the elders’ council, giving direction to the youngsters." said a source through The Standard newspaper in january 2015

That is if the Mujuru regime succeed in the formation of their new party it will be an achievement to Zimbabwean women to have a female president in a particular political party.

The party's name is said to be zanu but PF will be standing for "people first"

where are female politicians?

It is surprising and disappointing to note that most female politicians become failers in political arena while most of our societies are dominated by female people. One may begin to wonder that why is it that females are not supporting each other. In most cases women who try to take their political carrier serious are let down by losing during elections. This shows that other women wouldn't be giving them enough support.For example in Botswana, in the 2009 general elections, the country’s two largest political parties, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the opposition Botswana National Front (BNF), each fielded just three female candidates even though there are 57 constituencies. The third largest party, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), was slightly more progressive, putting up four female candidates. The sad thing is that only two of them won while more women participated in voting than men. During these elections 403,000 women registered to vote compared to 320,000 men.

What is the most sad thing is that women are the ones who seem to be active during campaigns than men, while they tend to lose at the end of the day. For example in Zimbabwe women are the one who are found dancing and singing during the elections campaign, however most female politicians lose.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

why do female peach into politics and disappear?

Female politicians come with power into politics and then disappear along the way. Is it because political issues are meant for men who are considered to be brave in the African society? In most cases when we are still looking foward for women who have just entered into politics they just go silent. One may wonder whether does this mean that female politicians are weak or what? For example these the Zimbabwean first lady Grace Mugabe who just entered into political field some time last year has just went quiet. When she came into politics she changed many things in ZANU-PF party and exposed corrupt members. Her deeds were promising, people thought we now have a powerful female politician but where is Grace Mugabe now?

Enough of cheer-leading

Women's impact in political field should be felt. They should lead on their own and make crucial decisions without men's help. In most instances women are found as vice-presidents. That is why women like Remi Senaiya, from Nigeria are crying out loud for the end of cheerleading. She wants women to get hold of higher positions in Africa. She said:

" We have done enough of cheerleading,"

"Women cannot keep on being cheerleaders in this country."

Remi Sonaiya.photo by yahoonews

She told some of Nigeria's most influential businesswomen and company executives at the meeting on women's participation in politics.

Also women like Grace Mugabe can be considered as women who are advocating for the stop of cheer leading. This is shown by the way she came into politics. She came in with power, without fear and favour.

Is it because they are FEMALE politicians?

Female politicians are easily threatened in the political field and they seem to be victims. I don't know why people find it so easy to threaten female politicians, maybe it's because women are regarded as weak in societies we live in? For instance  Tsepiso Mpofu who is MDC-T's Bulawayo provincial organising secretary has experienced threats, where people came to her house, stoned it to force her to step down as infighting in the party turns nasty.

"They left strange things wrapped with a party head scarf and a message that they would bewitch me if I do not step down," Mpofu said in an interview.

Women are in danger when it comes to political issues. This is why these people who threatened Mpofu had the guts to do such things, they know that some women are weak. Most of the times when people want male politicians to step down they don't do what they did to this lady. For example, MDC-T supporters wanted Morgan to step down but they never stoned his house.

Do Violence exist in FEMALE politicians??

Most female politicians are known to pursue their political carrier with peace. They are known as peace builders, even in areas where there is war women act as peace builders. For instance in Kenya after the 2009 electoral violence women's groups used mobile technology to develop early warning system.


However it is surprising that the society is expecting female politicians to bring about peace in communities and nations but some women are fueling violence. For example a Côte d’Ivoire woman was arrested after she has been found guilty of part taking in the violence which took place during post-election violence in 2010-2011 that left nearly 3 000 dead. The former first lady Simone Gbagbo is said to have “undermined state security”. She has been jailed for 20 years.         

simone Gbagbo wife of Cote d'Ivoire former president(Luc Gnago, Reuters)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing in women’s leadership is peacebuilding’s best value for money. In the aftermath of conflict, billions of dollars are spent on projects that often predominantly benefit men. By contrast, grass-roots women leaders often work with very few resources – this must change,” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women Executive Director, - See more at: http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/9/peacebuilding-commission-event#sthash.eQ2T2CxU.dpuf

Muujuru's silence: BRAVERY or PEACE?

women seem to be respectful in their political carrier. They give so much respect to their political party leaders.  This may be viewed as failer and weakness because their quietness can be believed to be lack of bravery and lack of confidence. A good politician should stand her grounds and defend herself in whatever circumstances that come along. Also one may conclude that the public can not guess what the quietness means hence they will conclude according to their own way of thinking. For example amai Mujuru told Southerneye that she has been quiet out of respect, she respected her leader which is why she just kept quiet when the first lady was criticising her. She said :

"I fought for the liberation of this country and hold the ideals of the liberation struggle and Zanu PF close to my heart. I have not betrayed my party nor its leadership.”
“My focus is on national building and avoiding unnecessary destruction of the party I belong to, Zanu PF, by omafikizolo who are motivated by self-interest and do not put the people first,”

However one may say female politicians are good as they promote peace and order in the political sector. The fact that Mujuru went silent created order, if she fought back ZANU-PF would have experience disorder which is not good for the nation. She said:

“My focus is on national building and avoiding unnecessary destruction of the party I belong to, Zanu PF, by omafikizolo who are motivated by self-interest and do not put the people first,”

Joice Mujuru

Thus women's silence when it comes to political wars can be bad as well as good. The silence brings with it self positive and negative aspects. It may mean lack of bravery and also brings peace, order and respect.

Thumbs up for Dr Amai Grace Mugabe

Zimbabwe male politicians are now sweating because of the presence and interference of Women in politics. In the past women were believed to be meant for house chores. Politics was mainly men's field but nowadays we meet women like Grace Mugabe who are challenging men in the political field. According to Southerneye Didymus Mutasa is complaining that Grace's  ascendancy in the party (ZANU-PF) was a source of conflict and division. This therefore reveals that women are now becoming a challenge to men in political activities. The fact that Mutasa admitted that Grace brought about change in the party shows that women now have power when it comes to politics

Also, according to Zimbabwe Independent news paper Grace Mugabe seem to be becoming a leader in ZANU-PF. She is now in control of everything, hence I can conclude that this reveals women's power in the political field. Zaba says:

"The appointment of Shuvai Mahofa as minister of provincial affairs for Masvingo this week further shows Grace is increasingly calling the shots."

This further solidify that women are coming with fire in the political field. They  now have all the influence unlike in the past where women waited for men to come up with suggestions and decisions. Most newspapers declare that Grace Mugabe  has been the major cause of destruction in ZANU-PF, hence one may conclude that the fact that the media is diverting attention to her shows that she is a threat.

Where Zimbabwean female politicians?

Zimbabwean women’s participation in politics remains low.The year which has been target to reach 50% representation of women in the political arena has finally came and Zimbabwe is not even near in terms of accomplishing the MDGs. There are several bottlenecks hindering efforts to ensure that men and women share 50% representation in the political arena by 2015 in line with the Sadc Protocol on Gender and Development.
Nyamupinga, who is the Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus chairperson, bemoans how the drive to reach a 50:50 gender ratio in Parliament is increasingly failing as the number of women in the august house is on the decline. 
Nyamupinga told News day that:
"If we are not financially empowered, we will not make it. Our politics have been commercialised. A well-resourced person needs just one night of campaigning and they will make it."

Most of Zimbabwean women seem to be failing to pursue political career. According to Zimbabwe Independent Newspaper in the year 2013 women in politics were only 11,5%. The president said that there were not enough women which why we are still failing to reach 50% of women participation in politics.

Things you never knew about Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was born on the 27th of January 1949. She is the Chairperson of the African Union. She was the South African Minister of the Department of Home Affairs. She is a Member of the African National Congress National Executive Committee and National Working Committee. She is also a Member of the African National Congress Women's League National Executive Committee and the National Progressive Women's Movement of South Africa. Dlamini-Zuma was married to President Jacob Zuma from 1972 to 1998.

This woman has been making it in politics and she is still making it without any help from  a man. This therefore shows the society that women are no longer entitled to only house chores. What men can do and archieve women can do better. This is revealed by women like Nkosazana Dlamini who are excelling in their political carrier. Her archievements are even revealed by her leadership history. Dlamini has been doing very well in each and every leadership she had been involved in, this is why she managed to get a higher international post.

Nkosazana Dlamini

women flock into politics this year.

The number of female politicians seem to be increasing this year. Most areas led by women have high rate of development. This therefore shows that women have developed good leadership skills unlike in the old days where everything was left on men's hands. Women's representation in local governments has made a difference. For instance in India Research has discovered that the number of drinking water projects in areas with female led councils was 62% higher than with those with male-led councils.

22 percent of all national parliamentarians were female as from january 2015, which is an increase from 11,3 % in 1995.

Only 22 per cent of all national parliamentarians were female as of January 2015, a slow increase from 11.3 per cent in 1995 - See more at: http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation/facts-and-figures#notes22

Women’s representation in local governments has made a difference. Research on panchayats (local councils) in India discovered that the number of drinking water projects in areas with female-led councils was 62 per cent higher than in those with male-led councils - See more at: http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation/facts-and-figures#sthash.RcOmCFA7.dpuf

omen’s representation in local governments has made a difference. Research on panchayats (local councils) in India discovered that the number of drinking water projects in areas with female-led councils was 62 per cent higher than in those with male-led councils. - See more at: http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation/facts-and-figures#sthash.RcOmCFA7.dpuf

women are climbing ladders of success in politics

women are now found holding higher  political positions. The society now recognises women power in politics, this is why they are now offering them higher positions in politic. For example Helen Zille serves as Premier of the Western Cape Province in South Africa. She is also the Leader of the Democratic Alliance and Councillor of the City of Cape Town. Zille previously served as Mayor of Cape Town. She was also the Director of Communications at the University of Cape Town. Hence this shows that women are making it in the political field, of cause some are failing and drawing back but we still have women who have the strength to pursue their political roles. This woman has won the award of being the most influential women in South Africa, she also won as the World mayor of the year. Through this it is noted that women now have influence in politics and they are now capable and able to lead.

Helle and Jacob Zuma

Another example of a woman politician is Mamphela Alletta Ramphele. She has been working hard in political field and she is making it. Thus women now have courage in political activities .
While at university, Ramphele became increasingly involved in student politics and anti-apartheid activism, becoming one of the founders of the Black Conciousness Movement (BCM)

Ramphele

Meet female politicians failers

Some women like Grace Mugabe seem to be making it in politics while others are facing hardships in handling their political duties. Some of them have given, they are actually stepping down from their positions. For example Misihairabwi Mushonga who was the secretary of MDC has stepped down form her position. She couldn't stand the pressure of political duties. Through this I can conclude that women are still failing in politics, the fact that some women are quiting it shows that political activities are not meant for women.

picture by Chris Gande- in Southerneye

Also in Japan there are two women who exited Japan's Cabint. One of them couldnt stand the critisms and the other one quited over series of political scandals.

Ms. Obuchi, was being groomed to become Japan’s first woman prime minister, had been given one of the toughest jobs in the Abe government: winning public support for restarting at least some of Japan’s 48 nuclear reactors, idled after the 2011 Fukushima accident and she failed to play her part. She said:

women are coming with power

Women seem to be making it in politics. They need not more than a year to accomplish their political missions. Their political strategies now have power, they can destroy whatever they don’t want and get what they want. For example, it didn’t take time for Dr Grace Mugabe to defeat the former vice president, Dr Mujuru. Batanai Mutasa from Online Southerneye notes that people have been circulating jokes about Dr Grace Mugabe. One of the jokes says:

“It took England 30 years to try and destroy Zanu PF and it failed, but it only took Dr Grace one week to do it, now do you still question her degree?” reads the message, a backhanded reference to her doctor of philosophy degree which has been roundly questioned”

This reveals that women ae coming with power in their political activities. Despite all the jokes, they still point to the power and vigour women are exhibiting. Imagine if women had never been subjected to the mean partriachal society, possibly we could be talking about a milestone achievement in most African economies.

These jokes are sometimes discouraging, but that's the nature of our societies that have always believed in the power of male leadership. On one hand, it is impressive that Grace has been consistent in her endeavors but on the other, it is sad that she is shooting down a fellow woman, which may mean that the number of women will hardly increase or grow, hence their impact will not be easily felt.

Dr Amai Grace Mugabe

Women now have a greater impact in politics globally. They have gained fame, recognition and support across societies.

Political issues no longer cater for men alone like in the past. For instance, in the Zimbabwean context Dr Grace 'Amai' Mugabe has received a lot of support in her political adventure. She has been able to reveal corruption which has been taking place in the country. Above all she had the courage and bravery to reveal corruption without fearand favour . A good example can be drawn in how she raised all allegations involving the former vice president, Joyce Mujuru.

“The faction leader is moving around saying Mai Mugabe has money, yet the (same) person has diamond mines and has about 10% shares in almost every company,” Grace said.
 
“That is greed. That is corruption. Yet the person goes around saying a lot of rubbish about Amai Mugabe. That is why I am saying to baba, if he does not dump the person in the street to be devoured by the dogs, we will do it ourselves.” 

Through all this one may argue that women's impact in politics is now being  felt and seen in the society. Dr Mugabe has been touring around Zimbabwe adressing people on political issues. This shows that women are now playing a bigger role, and a lot of people were attending her rallies.  

According to some ZBC programmes and other Newspapers like the Chronicle , when Amai Mugabe came back from where she heard surgeries in the west a lot of people came to meet her at the Airport. This therefore shows that women now have power,support and are now famous in politics. ZBC published that more than a thousand people were there to meet Dr Grace Mugabe, pointing to how influential she has become.

group of people who attended Grace mugabe's meet the people tour in Bindura