Women’s organisations in Zimbabwe have been campaigning for the full participation of women. ‘Women Can Do it!’, a nation wide campaign, has trained
and supported hundreds of women candidates for public office. The YWCA election observers will contribute to this effort by focusing their exercise on gender
issues such as access to adequate civic information for men and women voters; the extent of a level playing field for men and women electoral candidates; and
the degree of violence and intimidation experienced by candidates and voter, especially women candidates and voters.

Political candidates

Women constitute 52% of the population in Zimbabwe and over 900 women are running for office: 740 for the 1958 councilor seats, 118 for the 710 Members of
Parliament and 61 for the 60 senator seats. Women in Zimbabwe intend to fully participate in the election process.

The YWCA team will therefore observe:

• The security availed for women candidates and whether they are free from violence
• The level of intimidation experienced by candidates and whether women candidates are granted freedom of association
• The quantity and quality of access to media and media coverage for women candidates
• The scope of gender issues addressed in election manifestos and campaign messages
• The number of women elected to public office

Women Voters

As a human rights issue, free and fair elections are vital for peace and security to prevail. Southern Africa is familiar with civil unrest and insecurity. As such, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has developed stringent guidelines to ensure member states consolidate citizens' participation in the decision-making processes. The guidelines encourage the participation of women and youth in all aspects of the electoral process.

The YWCA will therefore observe the voting environment, specifically:

• Voter turn out, especially for women voters
• Access to voting stations for women particularly ensuring they are free from violence and intimidation
• Free and fair balloting
• Access to information on results announcement