Empowering Women with Disabilities in Politics Through Media

Regional Media training on Women s Political Participation Johannesburg, South Africa , 7-9 March 2022, Robin Muchetu Title of story Published on :28 February 2001 Follow up story published/broadcast on : Insert date Enhancing Women's Political Participation through media.

SYNOPSIS Article is a human interest story highlighting the need for WPP despite disability and tells the story of a female Zanu- PF Chairlady who is visually impaired. Its speaks to the challenges she faces on a day to day basis, of living with an impairment and trying to lead people in her party and how she has managed to find her way around them. The article shows her heroic move of deciding to join politics while she is a person with a disability, a move many would never think of. (double edged sword). It also highlight the plight of other legislators on the country who are living with disabilities but have not been deterred eg Cde Rose Moyo. Voice is also given to a champion of disability rights Senator Watson Khupe who shares his sentiments also as a person with disability. Communication is a vital tool so the politicians also sound their concerns pertaining to issues of access , calling for the need to have documents in Braille and also having Sign language interpreters. Enhancing Womens Political Participation through media

Background There has been marginalisation of PWD in Zimbabwe on a broad spectrum and the plight is even worse for women in politics-its like a double edged sword. Women with disabilities have lamented their side-lining from important nation building events simply because they are differently abled. They also fail to attend rallies where they meet with other politicians and supporters because at times the transport to venues is not user friendly. This is a hindrance to their participation. Hence they are left out many a time of they cannot transport themselves. There has been representation to a minimum extent of women in politics who also have a disability so the article is informed by some of these issues. Enhancing Women s Political Participation through media

Key Objectives To highlight the plight of female politicians with disability. To show that despite the disability they can still lead and be heard. That they are at an equal footing with other female politicians who do not have any disability. To highlight what associate organisations are saying about this aspect and how they are assisting the female politicians. To expose what society assumes about women with disability and want to assume political office. To also highlight that patriarchy should not deter these women, they still can carry put their traditional roles and still be in politics. Enhancing Women s Political Participation through media

Target audience Politicians in general Organisations that deal with disability Law makers to ensure no one is denied an opportunity to participate because of gender and ability Women with disabilities and political ambitions too Enhancing Women's Political Participation through media

Sources and accessibility WLSA- organisation that deals with women and their political participation, Leornard Cheshire Legislators- Sen Khuphe Female politician with disability Cde Irene Moyo Constitution Gender Links International Instruments-UNESCO-Agenda 2030 Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Enhancing Women s Political Participation through media

Challenges encountered in putting the story together Failure to have one on one interviews because of Covid- 19 restrictions. Delays in responding for some of the interviewees, some did not respond at all. Failure to access statistics of women in politics who are with disability from ZEC and local party structures. Some of the female politicians refused to speak, some were there, had knowledge but said they were scared to come out in the media. Enhancing Women's Political Participation through media

Impact More seats allocated in Parliament including women with disabilities. 10 seats for youths have been set aside with emphasis on gender balance. Local organisations have started training prospective women candidates in general on electoral processes so as to capacitate them adequately. Eg ZEC, WLSA, WILD Women are now gaining confidence in speaking to the media following capacitation by organisations and also seeing fellow female politicians getting space to talk in the media. Women now getting comfortable in spaces they never were before like social media and they are now visible to their advantage. Enhancing Women s Political Participation through media

Feedback Some engagement on social media particularly on WhatsApp groups. Enhancing Women's Political Participation through media

Follow up story published One was done 24 March 2021-Recalling women from political positions retrogressive 28 February 2021-Female politician stands the test of time Sibongile Sibanda 2 December 2021-Social norms must be challenged to improve the status of women. 5 December 2021-Women need more education on elections-ZEC 1 Dec-Women s political participation still worryingly low. Enhancing Women's Political Participation through media