Thread by @NewsHawksLive

A Zimbabwe women lobby group is encouraging women in the country to participate in politics as the world commemorates 16 days of activism against gender-based violence to ensure parity democracy and equal representation of women and men in critical decision-making positions.

Women’s equal participation in political life plays a key role in the general advancement of women.
Their equal participation in decision-making is not only a demand for simple justice or democracy, but also a necessary condition to ensure that their interests are protected.

Why is politics not working for women:
Research shows that women’s underrepresentation in politics boils down to:
.Confidence: Women - for a variety of reasons - are reluctant to participate in elections, especially in countries where the political environment is hostile;

.Candidate selection: Once women agree to run, it’s often difficult for them to get an electable spot on the election list. In other words, political parties don't create a friendly political milieu for participation. In some cases they are actively blocked due to patriarchy;

Culture: Politics is generally a men’s world.
Sexism - which is prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of gender - is rampant and women are often not welcome;

Cash: When women run for election, their campaigns often receive less funding than their male counterparts.
This is also a function of their marginalisation and lack of structural and economic empowerment in society;

Childcare: In many societies women spend an extraordinary amount of time on home or family duties, including cooking and childcare, compared to men.

The under-representation of women in politics in countries like Zimbabwe constitutes a serious democratic deficit, which undermines the legitimacy and sustainability of contemporary democratic ideal and aspiration.