Women join hands in push for democracy

WINDHOEK – Member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) that are preparing for elections should ensure that the policy of 30 per cent women’s representation in decision-making positions becomes a reality.

Anne Makinda, who is leading a SADC Regional Parliamentary Caucus delegation, made these remarks when she and her delegation paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Theo-Ben Gurirab on Monday. The delegation of four SADC Parliamentary Caucus Representatives from Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia are in the country on a week-long official visit.Makinda, who is Chairperson of the Tanzania Women Parliamentary Group, stressed that there are many women in SADC who are educated and have the same capability as their male counterparts.”Women’s capabilities should not be undermined,” she said.”As long as women are kept outside decision-making positions, there will be always autocracy.We do not need that, instead we want democracy.”- NampaThe delegation of four SADC Parliamentary Caucus Representatives from Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia are in the country on a week-long official visit.Makinda, who is Chairperson of the Tanzania Women Parliamentary Group, stressed that there are many women in SADC who are educated and have the same capability as their male counterparts.”Women’s capabilities should not be undermined,” she said.”As long as women are kept outside decision-making positions, there will be always autocracy.We do not need that, instead we want democracy.”- Nampa