The Sunday Mail
Fatima Bulla-Musakwa
MRS Susan Bwatanga-Kabote, a beneficiary of the quota system introduced prior to the August 23 harmonised elections, is optimistic that the coming in of more women will inspire community development.
The implementation of a quota system in local authorities was approved by President Mnangagwa, with the intention to increase women’s participation in politics.
The local authority is also considered a critical level, where issues of community development are dealt with effectively.
Exclusion of women has therefore been viewed as a factor that has contributed to basic developmental issues not being effectively dealt with.
Mrs Bwatanga-Kabote’s duties involve working with 35 councillors from Ward one to 35 of the Mazowe Rural District Council (MRDC).
The 47-year-old councillor said she is grateful of the quota system, as local authorities were male-dominated, with only two women having been elected in MRDC in the just ended elections.
“As an example, in Mazowe women who were elected councillors are only two, so it means when development is being pursued women and issues that affect them are left out.
“If there is intention to build a clinic, men always assume building a clinic, putting beds and health staff. That’s it.
“But, as a woman you begin to think of the nitty gritties, and you know there is need for a maternity ward among other services that are required by women and children.
“A woman, as a mother, considers people from all walks of life, those with disability, orphans etcetera.
“So a woman leader always identifies gaps,” she said.
Mrs Susan Bwatanga-Kabote
Mrs Bwatanga-Kabote started her political career in 1995 at the age of 19, soon after completing her Ordinary Levels.
From then she started participating in the ruling party, Zanu PF’s activities from cell level.
She progressed to be engaged at branch up to district level, until she became a provincial member in 2021.
As she climbed the ladder of politics, she got to experience the challenges faced by women who desire to take up leadership positions first hand.
This inspired her to be determined not throw in the towel.
“The women’s quota is a vision that was seen by the President that women must have 30 percent representation, but some men are not ready to accept it.
“It seems like we are a threat, so you find challenges emanating from that.
“Like if you say something that is valid they can crush it because they think you are a threat.
“However, I’m determined to contribute to the development of Mazowe, despite the challenges,” Mrs Bwatanga-Kabote said.
She said women who desire to lead have had to contend with being looked down upon, and not able to contribute meaningfully to development.
Of course, gender equality is being pursued, but being accepted by men who call themselves leaders is a mammoth task.
“There are posts labeled to be suitable for men not us.
“But, there is no human being who is not able to take over any post,” she said.
As carers of families, Ms Bwatanga-Kabote noted that women tend to lose out on building their political campaigns, especially towards the elections, while men progress.
She added that women also lost out due to lack of financial resources.
“Today’s politics people want money so much that if you want to take a post without money you could lose it, although you have potential and capacity to hold it.
“Someone with financial muscle can take it, though they might not be able to lead.
“So, with the quota system it’s a good starting point as we maneuver.
“We hope perception towards women leaders will change and more will be elected into local government, and at other levels in future elections,” she added.
