Democracy in the Constitution Making Process, (2009-2013): An Analysis of Women Participation in Goromonzi South Constituency

Abstract

Having noted that women were not adequately consulted and did not adequately participate during the constitution making process from 2009-2013 under the Government of National Unity (GNU),this study became necessary. The purpose of this study was therefore to contribute to existing work on democratization of the constitutional reform process in Zimbabwe as well as to give the researcher an in depth understanding of the concept of women participation in constitution making. The study utilized the Q-Squared approach whereby qualitative and quantitative data was elicited from the respondents. Qualitative data was in the form of women’s views on how democratic the process was, how far it allowed women participation and the strategies employed to enable their participation. This was done through questionnaire, focus group discussions and interviews. The sample size was fifty two and was selected through systematic random sampling and purposive sampling respectively. Interviews were carried out with key informants- councillors from Goromonzi South Constituency, women organisations-ZWLA and WoCOZ which participated in the process and government departments that led in the process -the former Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs, former National Coordinator of COPAC. Focus group discussions were held with groups of women in the wards. Microsoft Excel program was utilized to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed through Thematic Content Analysis approach whereby data is recorded, coded and grouped according to the main idea/theme emerging from the data. The research concluded and found out that women participation was far from being democratic because of political party interference and lack of capacity building on the part of women. It is recommended that the government introduce and maintain the quota system to enable women to get more seats in decision making organs and empower them to be economically independent so as to enable them to participate