Sexual harassment in Parliament of Zimbabwe

BUDIRIRO North legislator Susan Matsunga has called for a more robust fight against sexual harassment, emphasizing that the battle must begin within the very walls of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, where female legislators continue to endure harassment in silence.

Speaking at a civil society-organized stakeholder engagement on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Harare this week, Matsunga highlighted the harsh realities faced by women in politics, revealing that many female parliamentarians suffer in silence due to the toxic and misogynistic culture within the legislative environment.

"While society looks up to us to represent them in Parliament, we are also victims of sexual harassment. Every time you try to move a motion, you hear these male MPs shouting obscene words at you, labeling you as a woman of loose morals," Matsunga stated. "These male-dominated fields are not a walk in the park if you are to rise to the top. For every aspiration a female politician places on the table, men in leadership positions expect us to open our legs."

Matsunga's remarks shed light on the pervasive sexual harassment women in politics face, not just in Parliament, but across society. She called for a systemic shift, advocating for year-round activism against GBV, beyond the dedicated 16 days of activism observed annually.

"We need a more aggressive, all-year-round campaign to end GBV," Matsunga urged, stressing the importance of breaking the silence around such abuses. "We also need representation and programs targeting women in politics, because women are often forced to endure these assaults if they want to progress."

The legislator also pointed to the need for concrete data on the prevalence of GBV in all its forms, which she said would allow for better tracking of the issue and enable a more comprehensive approach to addressing it. She also emphasized the importance of empowering women with knowledge of their constitutional rights, suggesting that the Constitution should be widely disseminated, including to rural areas.

Matsunga further advocated for stronger laws to protect women, calling for stiffer penalties, including life sentences, for rape offenders to ensure that perpetrators are fully disenfranchised from interacting with society. "GBV is damaging and leaves indelible marks," she added.

Statistics reveal the extent of the problem in Zimbabwe, with approximately 39.4% of women having been subjected to physical violence, and an estimated 11.6% having faced sexual violence. These figures highlight the urgent need for a more concerted effort to combat GBV and protect women from violence and exploitation.

Matsunga's remarks at the engagement serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women in political spaces and broader society, urging civil society, stakeholders, and lawmakers to take concrete steps to end GBV and ensure greater safety and representation for women in Zimbabwe.