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Women and the power - sharing agreement - Women's Watch 11/08
Veritas
October 01, 2008

Women's Watch is resuming its bulletins which were put on hold during the last few months. In the state of limbo after the election debacle Parliament did not sit, the old government was marking time and the new government we all had high expectations of did not get off the ground.

It has been a difficult three months for most women in Zimbabwe: months of violence, displacement and privation. Like other women concerned about the plight of women, the Women's Watch team tried in a small way to use the time to assist displaced women and children, ensuring safety for those we could. Many women's organizations, human rights organizations and churches mobilized to help on a large scale, assisted generously by donors. Individuals in their private capacity including doctors, nurses, lawyers, businesspeople â€" also rallied round to help. We salute all those who did and are still doing so much to help the injured, the displaced and the families of the dead.

As so many friends and sympathizers were aware, Reyhana Masters, an essential member of the Women's Watch team, was hit by a car in May and had to be hospitalized, but thankfully she is back in action. Reyhana now refers to the accident as a life-changing experience as her convalescence gave her timeout to get married. We wish her every happiness.

Women and the power - sharing agreement

Women's Watch welcomes the historic power-sharing deal agreed to by Zanu-PF and the two formations of the Movement for Democratic Change in Harare on September 15, in the hope that it brings to an end the violence and the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe. Women as the poorest of the poor have suffered in their millions and it is now time that politicians get down to seeing to their needs. It was unfortunate that the negotiations included so few women. Only one woman, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, was a top negotiator, well done Priscilla. Although the back up/advisory teams contained some women, they were heavily outnumbered by men. Once again what impacts on women most has been largely decided by men.

According to the Agreement, the signatories have pledged to work together to remedy the problems facing Zimbabwe, specifically the restoration of economic stability and growth, and to address issues of food security, production, poverty and unemployment. As Zimbabwean women our concern is whether our new Inclusive Government will be able to work together to ensure the implementation of their commitments and we wonder how long it will be before they even get going.

The Preamble and 25 articles of the Agreement contain provisions that specifically speak to the equality between men and women and recognize the disadvantages women have historically suffered and are still suffering, and the historic role women have played in building of the nation. It reiterates the need for gender equality in society at large. It also makes statements about the inclusion of women in the new Government.

Extracts for the power sharing agreement with provisions for gender equality are highlighted below:

Preamble

Considering our shared determination to uphold, defend and sustain Zimbabwe's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity, as a respected member of the international community, a nation where all citizens respect and, therefore, enjoy equal protection of the law and have equal opportunity to compete and prosper in all spheres of life.

Acknowledging the sacrifices made by thousands of Zimbabwe's gallant sons and daughters in the fight against colonialism and racial discrimination and determined to accept, cherish and recognize the significance of the Liberation Struggle as the foundation of our sovereign independence, freedoms and human rights.

Recognizing, accepting and acknowledging that the values of justice, fairness, openness, tolerance, equality, non-discrimination and respect of all persons without regard to race, class, gender, ethnicity, language, religion, political opinion, place of origin or birth are the bedrock of our democracy and good governance.

Determined to act in a manner that demonstrates respect for the democratic values of justice, fairness, openness, tolerance, equality, respect of all persons and human rights.

Article V - land question

Recognizing the need for women's access and control over land in their own right as equal citizens. The Parties hereby agree to: ensure that all Zimbabweans who are eligible to be allocated land and who apply for it shall be considered for allocation of land irrespective of race, gender, religion, ethnicity or political affiliation

Article VI - constitution

Mindful of the need to ensure that the new Constitution deepens our democratic values and principles and the protection of the equality of all citizens, particularly the enhancement of full citizenship and equality of women.

Article VII - promotion of equality, national healing, cohesion and unity

The Parties hereby agree that the new Government: will ensure equal treatment of all regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, place of origin and will work towards equal access to development for all; will strive to create an environment of tolerance and respect among Zimbabweans and that all citizens are treated with dignity and decency irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, place of origin or political affiliation.

Article VIII - respect for national institutions and events

In the interests of forging a common vision for our country, the Parties hereby agree: on the necessity of all Zimbabweans regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion to respect and observe Zimbabwe's national institutions, symbols, national programmes and events; and that all Zimbabweans regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion have the right to benefit from and participate in all national programmes and events without let or hindrance.

Article XIV - traditional leaders

Recognising and acknowledging that traditional leaders are community leaders with equal responsibilities and obligations to all members of their communities regardless of age, gender ethnicity, race, religion and political affiliation.

Article XV - national youth training programme

The Parties hereby agree that: all youths regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion and political affiliation are eligible to participate in national youth training programmes

Article XVI - humanitarian and food assistance

In times of need, every Zimbabwean regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion is entitled to request and receive humanitarian and food assistance from the State. Non-Governmental Organizations involved in giving humanitarian and food assistance shall do so without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion and in doing so, shall not promote or advance the interests of any political party or cause. In this regard the Parties hereby agree: that in the fulfilment of its obligations above, the Government and all State Institutions and quasi State Institutions shall render humanitarian and food assistance without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation or religion; [and] that humanitarian interventions rendered by Non-Governmental Organisations, shall be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion.

Article XX - framework for a new government

Acknowledging the need for gender parity, particularly the need to appoint women to strategic Cabinet posts.

Article XXII - implementation mechanisms

To ensure full and proper implementation of the letter and spirit of this Agreement, the Parties hereby constitute a Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee ("JOMIC") to be composed of four senior members from ZANU-PF and four senior members from each of the two MDC Formations. Gender consideration must be taken into account in relation to the composition of JOMIC.

Comment

Whereas it is good that the document reiterates concepts of equality and gender parity, these provisions, including the one on land, already exist under Zimbabwean law. What is lacking in the document is a firm commitment on when and how gender equality will be achieved. Even the statement on the need for gender parity in the new Government and the need to appoint women to strategic Cabinet posts is woolly. The Agreement specifies the exact number of posts to be shared out to each party. Why no precise numbers for women. Women are tired of hearing there is a need for more women in decision-making positions. What we want from documents like this is how this need is going to be met. We want a definite commitment to numbers or percentages.

A world record by women of Rwanda

In elections hailed as being both fair and peaceful, women won 45 out of 80 [56.26%] seats in the new Rwandese Parliament. It is the first Parliament in the world to have a majority of women. After the terrible experiences that Rwandese women suffered in the genocide fourteen years ago, they have rebuilt their lives and emerged nation builders, policy makers and more than equal. Their fortitude and strength have been amazing and are an example to us all.

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