University of Zimbabwe law lecturer Fadzayi Mahere says being a woman in politics in a society characterised by patriarchalism is hard.
Mahere (36), who is Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson, is arguably one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent young opposition leaders.
She spent seven nights in pre-trial detention before being released on bail following her arrest on allegations of communicating falsehoods relating to several of her posts on social media.
In a wide-ranging interview with independent journalist and filmmaker, Zoe Flood, Mahere said despite the challenges faced by women politicians in Zimbabwe, she will not give up the fight for a fairer democratic society. She said:
Being a woman in politics is hard. But being a woman in politics in a patriarchal, repressive dictatorship is a million times harder.
You have to roll with the punches and make sure you swim – and remain standing.
Chipo Dendere, assistant professor at Wellesley College in the United States with expertise in African politics, concurs with Mahere. Said Dendere:
The Zimbabwean political space is not easy nor is it safe for women. For any women, but especially young women.
… It is incredible – even though I often find myself holding my breath – to see Mahere remain active online and now offline in her role as party spokesperson.
Mahere has recently been a victim of online name-calling with sexual innuendos by current and former ZANU PF activists.