EmpowerHER: Tripartite Women’s caucus summit, Durban South Africa
The Democracy Development Program (DDP) in partnership with the KwaZulu Natal Legislature hosted a groundbreaking Tripartite Women’s caucus Summit, comprising of women’s causes from Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa. The summit was a culmination of shared commitments to advancing women’s rights, to empower more women who are and aspire to occupy political office in the region. It is further committed to create a steadfast platform for regional collaboration, and to foster joint actions as a means of overcoming shared challenges to promote gender equality across borders.
The Tripartite Women’s Caucus Summit was inspired the successful exchange visits between the KwaZulu Natal Multi-Party Caucus and the Malawi Women’s Caucus, where robust discussions on challenges and achievements became the groundwork to intensify collaboration. The organization therefore believed that it was time to expand this partnership by including the Zimbabwe Women’s Caucus, leveraging the strengths of all three caucuses to create a united and formidable force for women’s empowerment.
The summit was held in Umhlanga Durban, it had more than one hundred women leaders from across Southern Africa. This was held on the premise that in the recent decade, there has been proliferation of women occupying political offices across the globe, this led to increase in driving a positive social transformation. The ideation of women’s caucus emerged as a push back to existing structural changes that inhibits women from leading successful regimes globally.
DDP’s Executive Director Dr Paul Kariuki, in his welcome address assured the congregation that this might seem as a country or provincial initiative, but the aim is to reach women from across the continent. Ultimately, all women in Africa should be empowered to occupy leadership and political positions whenever they want. He thanked all stakeholders for supporting this powerful initiative that intends to advance democratic project.
Nyasha Mpani our Parliamentary program coordinator highlighted the objectives of this summit, he elaborated that the determination is to share experiences inclusive of challenges, and success stories that they have encountered in advancing women’s rights and empowerment. Secondly, it is to identify opportunities for collaboration and joint initiatives to amplify the influence and impact of women’s caucuses in the region. These also serve as platforms for women leaders from diverse political backgrounds to converge with the purpose to strategize, and advocate for policies that address challenges faced by women in society. And lastly, it was to develop strategies for enhancing women’s political participation, representation, and leadership in decision-making platforms.
The DDP’s Board Chairperson Dr Devi Rajab delivered a message of support on behalf of the board, she shared insights on the importance of women to be represented politically and in leadership. Ms Hazel Gooding from United Nations Women, South Africa Office also shared their unwavering support for the work that DDP has done and pledged continuous engagement for future programs.
KwaZulu- Natal Legislature Speaker – Honourable Nontembeko Nothemba Boyce delivered a seething keynote address. She applauded women who occupy leadership, she advised and caution women leaders against unethical leadership. Concluded by asserting the need for collaboration and intensification of the fight against patriarchy.
Panel discussion and discussion where topics of Political Education, Resource Mobilization, Participation in legislative processes were held. The summit ended with a discussion on Women and Girls empowerment and mentorship, this group discussion was to ventilate various issues that young girls experience that hinders them from reaching their ultimate potential. Honorable Members from Zimbabwe, Malawi and KZN legislature shared their experiences, insights and potential further actions.
In conclusion, this summit was to strengthen partnerships with development partners, civil society organizations, and government institutions to support women to climb ladder in political spaces and governance.
