3 (A) International Conventions and The Legal Framework Zimbabwe is signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) which offers guidelines on ways on guarding against the discrimination of women. Article 7 of CEDAW which offers some definitive international legal instruments that need to be respected in order to promote the observance of the human rights of women stipulates that “State Parties shall take appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in the political and public life of a country and, in particular, shall ensure to women, on equal terms with men, the rights: a) To vote in all elections and public referenda and to be eligible for election to all publicly elected bodies; b) To participate in the formulation of government policy and the implementation thereof and to hold public office and perform all public functions at all levels of government; c) To participate in non-governmental organisations and associations concerned with the public and political life of the country.” On the regional front, Zimbabwe has ratified the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, of which article 13 states that: (1) Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of law. 2) Every person shall have the right of equal access to the public service of his country.” Under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Declaration on Gender and Development (1997), Heads of State or their Governments have committed themselves and their countries to, among other important issues,