Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge West National Assembly member Cde Ruth Maboyi has said she is looking forward to President Mnangagwa appointing a Cabinet with more women in recognition of the role they play in national politics and economic development.

In a recent interview, she said the new political dispensation had presented opportunities for women to equally compete for positions with their male counterparts for honours as witnessed during the recently held party and harmonised elections.

Cde Maboyi, who is also a war veteran, said women played a critical role in the country’s pre and post-independence period.

The current Cabinet has four women.

These are Cdes Sithembiso Nyoni (Women Affairs), Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri (Water and Climate), Prisca Mupfumira (Tourism) and Petronella Kagonye (Social Services).

The other appointed women are Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs Cdes Angeline Masuku (Bulawayo), Miriam Chikukwa (Harare) and Monica Mutsvangwa (Manicaland), but do not sit in Cabinet.

“Our expectations as women are to see more Cabinet posts being taken up by women under the new political dispensation,” said Cde Maboyi.

“The issue has been raised with our leader President Mnangagwa through the Women’s League leadership. We are confident that our leader will deliver.

“Of course, we know some (women) might be afraid to take up huge responsibilities. However, where a woman has been appointed to a position of authority let’s help her to raise confidence.

“We can do it. You will note that taking up responsibilities is not a joke.

“One has to be confident and hence I believe the party has a lot of able women.

“The issue of equal opportunities has been topical in the party.

“It is also pleasing to note that the Government had been trying to address issues of gender imbalances through the introduction of the women’s  quota.”

Cde Maboyi said the party had many women ready to grab up opportunities and contribute in shaping up the national economy.

“We are very grateful to have President Mnangagwa, who is an able leader who is willing to engage all progressive minds to move the country and its economy forward,” she said.

Cde Maboyi said the role played by women in national politics and economic issues could not be over emphasised considering that many of them fought side by side with their male counterparts during the war of liberation.

Women constitute almost one third of the newly-elected parliamentarians.

In a bid to balance the number of legislators in the august House, Government introduced the women’s quota where at least six women (from each of the 10 provinces) are appointed to Parliament based on the number of votes their respective parties get during an election in their respective provinces.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey