Women in Matabeleland have been challenged to take up leadership positions in various spheres of life as they have the capacity to do so, a civil society leader has said.
This comes at a time when the country is observing 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Addressing journalists in Bulawayo Thursday ahead of the main commemorations Saturday at White City Stadium, leader of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) in Bulawayo, Mildred Sandi, said women had everything it takes to occupy leadership positions.
“We encourage women to take up leadership positions and not to fear,” said Sandi.
“Those of us in leadership positions, we say no, no, rise up.”
She challenged women to take advantage of their awareness campaigns creating understanding of leadership, adding that everyone was a leader in different capacities.
“Even at home we are leaders, but some people don’t realise they are leaders,” she said.
“So it needs that awareness and understanding to create that knowledge management to say, I am the person who is a leader and responsible. Every woman is a leader and it is about being conscious of who you are. As the Women’s Coalition, we make sure that we bring out that consciousness in you.”
Sandi said a number of female politicians had come through the Women’s Coalition adding, they were urging female parliamentarians to make a difference in the august house.
“As Women’s Coalition we are now saying no, no, to this “pull her down syndrome,” said Sandi.
“We are now saying pull her up; pull her up.”
She explained that it was high time women supported one another in taking up leadership positions.
The Women’s Coalition has representation in both rural and urban areas across the country.
