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Politics of Engagement - Inclusiveness and Elusiveness of Government

by Martha | May 18, 2009 at 4:40 AM

Martha

Martha's Journal

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I am not sure what will move the politicians engaged in our inclusive Zimbabwean government to respond to issues. Since the advent of our new political dispensation this year, I have attended a few public gatherings (the latest one last Friday) where politicians, particularly cabinet ministers, have been lamenting the fact that citizens, particularly women, are not seeking audience with them. They have been been exhorting women to take advantage of the new inclusive government and bring up issues.

Well, for one thing they are busy people. I do not want to keep walking to and waiting at their offices for an audience, as I am bound to walk long distances, and wait long hours. I am also busy, working for my family's upkeep, trying to find basics such as safe water and fuel so that the family gets by each day. And this is because the supply of safe water and power for cooking, which a few years ago was available in my home, have almost come to zero. Busy as I know they are, the least I can expect from them is to take time to read their e-mails and at least acknowledge receipt. I have written to two cabinet ministers (three weeks ago) and I have not even had an acknowledgement of receipt.

One female cabinet minister last month said she wondered where the women were, as there are so many men bringing issues to the office. But now I know, and I want to tell her that those men have left at home some woman who is fetching water and firewood, doing his laundry and cooking, and a thousand and one other things to ensure the home runs smoothlly and the female is well-catered for.

I am not giving up. I am writing to all the female cabinet ministers to set aside days in each month, and publicise the fact widely, that are reserved for audience with women only. I will also ask they convince their male counterparts to do the same. Another wish is that they direct that on those days only men should fetch water and firewood, and cook for and clean homes for their families. Wishful thinking...? Maybe. But I am going to let my voice be heard, and the situation needs a bit of madness. Maybe they will wake up, and we can start talking of an inclusive, rather than elusive, government prevailing in Zimbabwe

Comments

Hi Martha,

Thank you for bringing our attention to the Zimbabwean government. Your government is often in the foreign media, but not often do we hear these stories. That the government is trying to appear transparent and open to hearing from women, though women can not feasibly approach the cabinet to voice their issues.

I love your idea for the government to set aside one day a month to hear out the voices of women, and to enforce their husbands on these day to carry out the chores for the family's livelihood. Please continue to raise your voice both to your government and here on PulseWire!

You are a true leader and visionary Martha!

Warm regards,
Jade

Hi Jade

Thank you for your comments. With the support of WorldPulse/Pulsewire community, I am sure they are all going to take notice very soon

Regards
Martha

Let's have women back in gender

If only it were as simple as thinking it and it will happen! I hope that it does happen at least once! I am sure if the men have to do what they expect a woman to accomplish each day that they will soon make it a daily 'here are the woman's hours' to have an excuse not to have to do the chores themselves!

Keeping our governments honest does take us emailing and writing and letting them know constantly that we are here because we are up against others (lobbyist) who offer "fun and excitement" and we can only offer problems and ideas that will take lots of work to accomplish.

I love your strength and resolve!

love,

Maria

Hi Maria

Thank you for the comments and encouragement. I will keep on their case, and not only government leadership, there are also the NGOs who purport to speak for us.

Love
Martha

Let's have women back in gender

I hope you are still after them to implement this! Jut wanted to see how it was going and offer continued encouragement for a good idea!

love,

Maria

Hi Maria

Thank you. They have not bothered to respond. But now strategizing with township, rural, and farming community women on ways and the time to get to them as a collective.

Take care
Martha

Let's have women back in gender