News / National
Women from opposition parties blocked from joining AAG
01 Jun 2017 at 06:41hrs | Views
HARARE Provincial Affairs minister Miriam Chikukwa yesterday chided Affirmative Action Group (AAG) president, Chamu Chiwanza for blocking women from opposition parties from becoming members of the empowerment organisation.
Speaking at the launch of the group's women desk yesterday, Chiwanza had declared that the new set up was restricted to Zanu-PF supporters only.
"We are not apologetic that we prefer Zanu-PF women. Most women, who will be in AAG, will be Zanu-PF women," he said.
However, Chikukwa, who was the guest of honour, said there should be no segregation in women participation based on political affiliation.
"When we talk about Affirmation Action Group Women Desk (AAGWD), we are not talking about political affiliation.
We are talking of women regardless of political affiliation. We don't talk of political parties here. We are all women. It does not matter whether you are Zanu-PF or MDC. At my church, I have a business desk, where I interact with anyone regardless of political affiliation," she said.
Chikukwa said the AAGWD should set up an economic playing field, build networks of social and economic transformation as well as raising women capacities.
Formed in 1994, the AAG has been led by mostly Zanu-PF apologists among them Zifa boss, Philip Chiyangwa, Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere and ICT minister Supa Mandiwanzira.
Speaking at the launch of the group's women desk yesterday, Chiwanza had declared that the new set up was restricted to Zanu-PF supporters only.
"We are not apologetic that we prefer Zanu-PF women. Most women, who will be in AAG, will be Zanu-PF women," he said.
However, Chikukwa, who was the guest of honour, said there should be no segregation in women participation based on political affiliation.
We are talking of women regardless of political affiliation. We don't talk of political parties here. We are all women. It does not matter whether you are Zanu-PF or MDC. At my church, I have a business desk, where I interact with anyone regardless of political affiliation," she said.
Chikukwa said the AAGWD should set up an economic playing field, build networks of social and economic transformation as well as raising women capacities.
Formed in 1994, the AAG has been led by mostly Zanu-PF apologists among them Zifa boss, Philip Chiyangwa, Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere and ICT minister Supa Mandiwanzira.
Source - newsday
