The feminist discourse and the development of a civic virtue in Zimbabwe: case of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)

Abstract

Recent literature on women and gender has sought to highlight the rising virtue against the violation of women’s rights on the backdrop of a dominantly patriarchal society. Given the increasing global recognition and efforts to uphold the status of women, international instruments and legislation have been incorporated into the arguments that support the recognition of women’s rights in every facet of social, economic and political life. This has given rise to a plethora of feminist civil society organisations seeking to influence policy decisions at international, regional and national levels. In Zimbabwe, the role played by women in the liberation struggle as well as in the post-colonial dispensation has justified the need for the upliftment of the status of women in society. Engagement with authorities to address the rights of women and children has been at the epi-centre of the feminist discourse in Zimbabwe. Through such feminist civil groups in Zimbabwe such as the Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), the fight for the women’s rights and other gender equity issues have been taken to dizzy heights. This paper discusses the role that WOZA has played in articulating the role of women in nation building through the observance of their rights. Key words: Feminist, women, gender, civil society, human rights, participation, patriarchal.