No Easy Walk Through Primary Elections for Rural Women in Zimbabwe

This research paper seeks to analyse rural gender imbalances in political participation during primary elections of major political parties in Zimbabwe.The study investigated factors militating against women"s active participation in rural party politics, as voters and candidates in Mberengwa rural district. Regardless of the fact that women are the majority, who contribute a considerable share in rural economy, their meaningful participation and representation in decision-making processes is still very low. Rural women face challenges within and outside rural institutions that perpetuate inequality and protect the privileges enjoyed by men. Through secondary data review, as well as primary data collected through structured interviews and participant observations, this research found that the political, cultural, economic and social dynamics like inadequate education, lack of financial resources, cultural discrimination, low self-esteem, political party malpractices among others, account for low political participation of rural women in 2013 party primary elections. In order for Zimbabwe to comply with the constitution and international human rights obligations on improving women"s political participation, the paper suggests, inter alia, full implementation of quota systems by parties, intra-party democracy and non-violence, gender-sensitive funding and political education programmes by government, political parties and advocacy NGOs.