Barriers to women's political participation in Zimbabwe: Analysing structural challenges and pathways to gender equality between 2013 and 2023

The article examines barriers and challenges women face in active political participation within major political parties in Zimbabwe, focusing on the policies and mechanisms that inhibit their involvement while offering recommendations for improvement. Data was collected through interviews and focus groups with 20 purposively and conveniently sampled participants from Harare and Bulawayo, along with critical documentary analysis. The data was analysed methodically using qualitative exploratory and descriptive methods, employing thematic analysis to identify and interpret patterns within the qualitative data. Grounded in intersectionality theory, this research highlights the varied identities and experiences of women, challenging the notion of a homogeneous group. The findings reveal entrenched patriarchal policies and a first past-the-post electoral system that collectively disadvantages women, particularly in decision-making roles. Although proportional representation offers potential benefits for increasing women's political representation, the study shows that systemic barriers such as discriminatory laws, gender stereotypes, and cultural norms continue to undermine these opportunities. Women candidates often face intense scrutiny and discrimination based on their marital status, further complicating their political engagement. This article calls on governments and political parties to promote women's participation and implement more robust gender-sensitive policies, alongside supporting women's economic empowerment, to enable independent decision-making and foster genuine political involvement.