African Commission urges Zimbabwe to protect women’s political participation
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has condemned the continued online and offline abuse of women who participate in electoral processes in Zimbabwe.
The ACHPR urged the government to take decisive legal measures and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address the long-standing historical discrimination that has hindered women’s political participation and create a safe and supportive electoral environment where women can actively engage without fear of digital or physical attacks in the lead-up to the 2023 election.
In a statement, the ACHPR expressed concern over reports of alleged escalating political tension and incidents that have resulted in offline and online attacks targeting voters and members of political parties, with a particular focus on women.
“The ACHPR notes that allegations of persistent online violence targeting women often stems from the root causes of offline violence, and in many instances, escalates to physical harm,” the statement read. “To safeguard the women who bravely express their political views despite facing continuous challenges both online and offline, the government of Zimbabwe should endeavor to strengthen its efforts in combatting hate speech and harmful content, that fuel animosity and incite violence against women in politics.”
The ACHPR also received reports about women allegedly experiencing gender-based violence and discrimination due to their own affiliation or that of their relatives with opposition political parties. This distressing situation not only jeopardizes the lives and well-being of these women, but also poses a significant threat to the credibility of the election and the democratic values within the country.
The ACHPR noted that it recognizes that the alleged acts committed against members of political parties, especially women, represent a significant violation of the rights and freedoms protected by various regional human rights instruments adopted under the auspices of the African Union (AU).
“In this regard, Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter) guarantees the right of every citizen to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with provisions of the law,” the statement read. “Moreover, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) in Article 19 obliges States Parties to ‘take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure the equal participation and representation of women in electoral process.'”
The ACHPR called on the government of Zimbabwe to take immediate steps to address the long-standing discrimination against women in politics and to create a safe and supportive electoral environment where women can participate without fear of violence or discrimination.
