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In a world where young women make up the majority of the youth demographic, the underrepresentation of young women in political leadership roles remains a significant challenge both locally and globally. The African Union estimates that 75% of Africa’s population is below 35, 60% under 25 and approximately 50% of these young people are young women.
In Zimbabwe statistics paint a stark picture: less than 5% of current parliamentarians are young women, reflecting a broader trend of gender disparity in political representation. The Southern African country had its elections on the 23rd of August last year, with many odds which include institutional barriers, policy gaps, discriminatory social norms, and the political economy of election among others, stacked against young women. This issue is not just a gender problem but also an intersectional one, where age and sex intersect to create barriers for young women aspiring to leadership positions.
In Zimbabwe, which is a patriarchal and largely Christian community, the election of young women, as young as 25, during the August 2023 polls was met with a lot of criticism. Women were labelled as too young and inexperienced. The criticism thickened when two of them became the first young women to be elected mayors and deputy mayors.
Unfortunately, most of the young women were recalled in October 2023 barely three months after being elected, due to intraparty disputes within the then-leading opposition, speaking to the systematic barriers women face in the political playing field as well.
At the micro level, empowering young women in politics requires a shift in mindset and behaviour within communities and institutions. Advocacy initiatives aimed at engaging community gatekeepers, such as chiefs, headmen, and men, are essential to garner support for young women entering political spheres. If men and boys are in the conversation, the narrative around women’s leadership can be transformed into one of collaboration and inclusivity.
The call for system change extends beyond national borders, with solidarity from other African countries like Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Seychelles, and Uganda among others demonstrating a shared commitment to empowering women in politics.
At the macro level, the underrepresentation, if not lack of young women in political leadership positions reflects a systemic issue that needs to be addressed through comprehensive systems change. The African Union’s definition of youth as individuals below the age of 35 highlights the potential for young women to contribute significantly to political decision-making processes.
Frameworks such as the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women highlight the international drive for the inclusion of women in decision-making, and the equal right to participate in all political processes and public life.
The 2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development also speaks to young women’s political participation, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, SDG 10 on reducing inequality, and SDG 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies.
Efforts such as the women’s and youth quota in Zimbabwe have been implemented to increase young women’s participation in politics, but the underlying challenges persist. Creating intentional safe spaces for young women to engage in politics without fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation is crucial for their empowerment. Organizations like the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) in Zimbabwe play a vital role in identifying, coaching, and mentoring young women leaders to build a quality pool of confident and informed decision-makers.
Looking ahead to Zimbabwe’s 2028 elections, the focus must be on building a sustainable pipeline of young women leaders who can drive positive change in their communities and beyond. Addressing the underrepresentation of young women in politics requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles systemic barriers at both the micro and macro levels. Through creating safe spaces, fostering mentorship opportunities, and engaging with community stakeholders, young women can be empowered to take up leadership positions with confidence and competence. Collective action and a commitment to systems change are also needed to build a more equitable and inclusive political system that reflects the diversity and talent of our youth population.
