Rural Women’s Representation and Participation in Local Governance in the Masvingo and Mashonaland Central Provinces of Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper focuses on the study of women's participation in local governance with specific reference to rural women in the Masvingo and Mashonaland Central provinces of Zimbabwe. Taking the status quo pertaining to the representation of women in local governance, it identifies the barriers towards the development and advancement of women towards senior administrative and political positions; and it also argues for increased representation and participation of women in local governance. The presence of more women is required if the local governance system is to become inclusive of the diversity of the people it represents, especially women. Furthermore, change is more likely to occur when elected women are supported by the presence of more women at the most senior administrative levels in the local governance system. Through their knowledge and understanding of the construction of power relations at the local level, rural women have creatively managed to produce, reproduce and use alternative strategies which are based on their sexuality and traditional gender roles in challenging and transforming gender inequality at the local level and in improving the quality of rural women. The purposes of the study were to identify and explore the key challenges that rural women face in their representation and participation in local governance and reflect on the initiatives that are being undertaken by the government and various organizations in facilitating the full representation and participation of rural women in local governance. A qualitative research method was used in the study. Empirical data was gathered through interviews in the Masvingo and Mashonaland Central provinces of Zimbabwe. The research findings indicated that rural women face a number of constraints in getting access to and participating in local governance. These constraints include; cultural beliefs; violence against women; lack of resources; lack of mutual support among women. Among others, the study recommends the creation of an enabling environment for women's political empowerment and capacity-building programmes.