An Analysis of the Inclusion of Women in Political Leadership: A Case of Zanu (PF) (2019-2023)

Abstract

The research attempted to examine the representation of women in political leadership within ZANU PF between the year 2019 and 2023. The paper concentrated on the degree to which women are in the top positions in the party, how the male party leaders regard the leadership abilities of their female counterparts and the obstacles that face the women in leading the party. The researcher applied the qualitative research design and it was deemed the most appropriate bearing in mind the study into the inclusion of women through leadership in politics. A maximum population of 20 ZANU PF executive members comprising of one member of the three ZANU PF executive organs namely the Central Committee, Politburo and the Women League members were incorporated in the study to participate in the study. The researcher adopted the purposive and random sampling method to derive the optimal results to represent the population at large and the tools of data collection or gathering of data also was done through interviews and the focus discussion group. The results of the analysis reach a conclusion due to the fact that the proportion of women participating in politics and taking positions in decision-making process is very crucial. Findings reflect that in order to facilitate more women to join political leadership, ZANU PF must consider the following: graft, gender gap in political empowerment, political freedom, and other cultural factors such as performance orientation, collectivism and power distance.