The Women’s Coalition in Zimbabwe (WCoZ) is championing the vital role of rural women in decision-making platforms, emphasizing their essential contributions to achieving sustainable development goals.
As the representation of rural women as agents of change diminishes both regionally and globally, WCoZ chairperson Muchanyara Mukamuri has underscored the urgency of addressing this issue. “It’s disheartening that women in rural areas often lack representation in leadership dialogues,” she stated. “Grassroots women offer invaluable insights that can shape their communities’ experiences.”
Mukamuri highlighted that these women are not only the backbone of local economies but also the nurturers of future generations and defenders of basic human rights. Despite facing challenges such as patriarchal systems, socio-economic barriers, and political violence, they continue to demonstrate remarkable courage and resilience.
“We recognize the importance of ensuring grassroots women’s voices are not just present but actively engaged in leadership discussions,” Mukamuri added. For the second consecutive year, the women’s movement has successfully facilitated the participation of women from various regions of Zimbabwe in key discussions.
The advancement of women’s leadership is crucial for achieving gender equality and sustainable development, according to Mukamuri. She reaffirmed WCoZ’s commitment to empowering women at all societal levels, ensuring their voices are heard, their rights protected, and their contributions acknowledged.
Mukamuri also called on the government to reassess the power dynamics to achieve 50-50 representation across all leadership positions, from grassroots to top levels. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable future for all women in Zimbabwe.
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