By Elizabeth Sitotombe
Next Generation African Political Leaders: the Power of Preparation
By Dr Olivia N. Muchena
Published by Phoenix Publishing (2021)
ISBN 978-1-77921-703-5
WOMEN continue to be underrepresented everywhere in the world, be it in politics, academia or private sector. They face many obstacles and are viewed merely as second class citizens.
Contrary to reports, the number of women in political space remain paltry while the existence of gendered power imbalances cannot be ignored.
When it comes to participating in politics, the numbers leave a lot to be desired.
According to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), only 15 percent of candidates in the March 26 by-elections were female.
Women remain undersold in party political posts, Parliament and in Cabinet despite efforts to achieve a 50/50 representation.
Official figures on Zimbabwean women’s representation in Parliament show that the lowest percentage of representation was at nine percent and 22 percent at the highest.
This is still below the 30 percent minimum set out in the 1977 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Declaration on Gender and Development and even further from the 50 percent benchmark set by the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development as well as Millennium Development Goal 3.
The existence of gendered power imbalances is awash for all to see.
There are, of course, one or two women who have managed to overcome these obstacles with great acclaim.
In the book under review this week titled Next Generation of African Political Leaders: the Power of Preparation, a former Cabinet Minister, Dr Olivia Muchena, gives guidance to young people and women with an interest in politics.
Dr Muchena’s new passion is equipping young people, women and professionals with skills for leadership in politics and governance.
She gives reference to her own political journey of 20 years and counters commonly held opinions of politics as being unsuitable for women.
The book gives a guideline to challenges that can be encountered when one enters the political arena, especially those joining politics without training in leadership, governance and politics.
“It was the beginning of political and government service without any preparation, very little exposure except what l had read in newspapers, seen on TV and political party membership and activities. What followed were twenty years of on-the-job training through trial and error, sporadic workshops and seminars…….., there were things l still wished l had known before l had embarked on my political journey. Those things could have saved me from the blood, sweat and tears related to navigation of political and government minefields.”
The illuminating extracts of the author’s description portray what it really means to be in the political terrain and the importance of being prepared, especially when you are a woman.
The first question to ask would be: What is politics?
According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, politics is concerned with guiding or influencing politics.
Why go into politics when you are a woman?
Women need to occupy public office spaces as a way of ensuring better accountability to women. Representation of women by women means issues to do with gender-based violence, women’s economic empowerment, peace and security are addressed with better outcomes.
Women need to know the game of politics, know the basics.
The book attempts to offer answers to many of the burning questions regarding women participation in politics.
A general knowledge of the country’s Constitution and history are essential for effectiveness in politics and government. A candidate who goes into politics with knowledge is empowered and equipped for effective participation and representation of his/her constituency, advices the author.
Similarly, because of ignorance, one can be in a position of power without the power to be a significant player.
Dr Muchena addresses the pitfalls in the political arena, highlighting some of the dangers faced: “… the aspiring candidate just proceeds on the basis of zeal or passion without basic knowledge and preparation. Like marriage and family life, one is left to do what they have observed others do, or simply hope it will work out well for them.”
Developing time management skills and having a strong support system that enables one to manage multiple roles is part of a preparation process for a balanced personal life as well as a healthy political life, Dr Muchena advises.
Knowing the players in politics, an aspiring political candidate has to be familiar with the Constitution long before election campaign period to avoid last minute disappointments.
Knowledge of your party’s ideology and structures are important as well as being aware of the unwritten rules of the political game.
“A last minute contrived technical knockout can be engineered to make sure that a potentially winning party’s primary candidate be disqualified on technical basis,” says Dr Muchena.
This is where many women are left behind.
Principles, boundaries can help one navigate and survive the demands of a political life.
Says Dr Muchena: “I share the need for deliberate, intentional preparation for participation and service in politics and government, particularly at leadership levels.
On reflection I am convinced that the intentional and pragmatic preparation for any form of participation, involvement and/or service in politics and government is necessary for effectiveness and survival.”
This is a must-read especially for young women preparing for politics and public office.