Portrayal of women in Zimbabwean Media

In Zimbabwe women are still give the second class citizenship despite the millennium developmental goal that the government talked about. Zimbabwe’s political arena has been largely characterized by violence and intimidation that is a threat to populace. Women participation in the just ended 2008 harmonized elections has been generally been low. Only 150 female candidates filed their nomination paper to contest in particularly the local government and parliamentary election said the MISA report. The political violence which claimed many lives did not spare off women mostly in rural areas. Women are supposed to be treated as equals with their male counterparts. The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) has it that women should be treating as equals to their male counterparts in political, social, economic, civil and cultural aspects. In Zimbabwe women constitute 52 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, but are not fully represented in politics. So far it has been observed that 30 percent female representation quota in public institutions has been accepted as the norm, but women sensed that this was not enough because even at that level they remain underrepresented in the policy and decision-making . This makes scholars like Adele Jinadu (1989) apt when he asserts that development can never ,and will never especially in the Southern part of Africa be viewed as such unless women are given and treated equally to their male counterparts. In the memorandum of understanding that was signed among the political parties in Zimbabwe that is ZANU PF, MDC Mutambara and MDCT, had no respect for women. First women voices were never heard and among the respected individuals who partake in the negotiations the number of women representative were next to nil. Only one lady from MDC out of six members who participated had to represent women. This clearly reflects the imbalance that exists between men and women In Zimbabwe. Again basing on the existing statistics women are continual accorded less privilege as compared to their male counter-parts. Hence development is still mile ahead for us to reach and I am sure the country will only improve its developmental issues after treating women as equals. Zimbabwean women fought in the liberation struggle side by side with their male counterparts as equals. Today it is shocking to realize that their contribution to this process is not reflected at the critical decision making levels. Certain women political organizations such as Women in Politics Support Unit (WIPSU) always complain that despite women accounting larger proportion of Zimbabwe, they only constitute little percentage in decision making and policy making organizations and institute. In the liberation struggle history nothing much is said about women, yet they are writers who fought alongside with male freedom fighter who even complain that they were raped by their male counterparts. One female writer Freedom Nyamubaya in her poetry text book entitled “On the road again” expressed inhuman treatment that they suffered under the hands of their male counterparts in war. Women are important and are the spring board of societies developmental aspects which if the country recognize can pay dividends to our well-being. Positive portrayal of women in the society will enhance respect to women and enable the society to appreciate their effort ion every walk of our lives. The previous parliament has some inequalities that need to be corrected in the next parliament that will convene after the all inclusive government. The WIPSU statics show that women constitute 10.6 percent of Cabinet, 16 percent of post reserved for provincial governors. Of the 66 senators in the House of assembly, only 23 were women. A meeting of Commonwealth leaders that was held in Edinburgh in 1997 set a target to achieve 30 percent representation of women in decision making positions across the public and private sectors by 2005. In this meeting it is understood that the Commonwealth plan of action for Gender Equality 2005-2015 set 2015 as the new deadline by which to fulfill the vision. However, this task seems not to be achievable especially with the way things are unfolding. It will be a great achievement if the All Inclusive government could recognize the importance of women in the society. Women were sure that they will reach equality with their male counter parts in the harmonized election of 2008 as most female politicians hoped that since most men were leaving the country in search of greener pastures that will enable them to achieve a 50/50 margin. Women are always treated by men as chattels and they have been always at the center of violence. In the just ended 2008 harmonized election some women had to watch their children and husband butchered at the hands of ruthless stalwart main political supporters. That left women with less chances to fight such ruthlessness and chauvinism attitude that man caused to women. The fear of victimization for being linked to opposition politics has caused several women to hold back from contesting elections on an opposition ticket. Zimbabwean economy is shouldered by women more than by men. Most cross boarder traders are women and the challenges that they encounter to fend food their families is something that men can not stand. Yet on the other hand such effort that has been positive to our economic stance is not appreciate, neither recognized by the male counterparts. The Gweru MISA advocacy committee that has been currently elected has shown gender sensitivity that will go a long way in the media fraternity in the Midlands Province. It is something of resounding respect to find out that most media houses that operate right across the country have recognized the need to include women in influential position. In media fraternity women percentage is gradually improving and I am sure that will change the operation of media house which use to be dominated by men. That made salient society issues to be unfairly reported, since the male reporter will be writing on things they have less knowledge especially about women. Important issues such as the scarcity of sanitary pads in shops is an issue that male journalist takes for granted. Yet it is an issue that needs to be talked about and even to create a forum through the press that can debate about it. The female politicians currently in the country are scarred of their male counterparts who usually bulldoze their way without pitying against women. One of the renowned Zimbabwe Human Rights lawyer Beatrice Mutetwa scooped an Award for champion and condemning the violation of human rights in the just ended 2008 elections. One of the political women group WOZA have also played a salient role in asking for the transparent government to be formed. Women have been bold enough to challenge all the evils that cripple the society. We have respectful women in the influential political position which I hope should be given a chance to lead the country. Women have motherly care that can be enjoyed by everyone in the society and are less ruthless as compared to their male counterparts