From the above graphs, it is clear that the number of women who contest as candidates in political parties remains significantly low as compared to their male counterparts. This shows that the barriers that existed in preventing women from participating in politics still exist and, if not dealt with, the trend may continue or even worsen. In the run up to the elections, ZESN observed that the political environment was toxic and misogynistic, making it very difficult for female candidates and female commissioners to participate without being called derogatory names. Female candidates suffered a lot of abuse and name calling especially on social media. For example, an aspiring female councillor was mocked before party primary elections simply because she is a single mother. In some wards, aspiring female councillors were labelled illiterate and old, thus supposedly not fit for the office of council. Personal and scandalous allegations were levelled against female candidates and commissioners. The 2018 female representation is worrying. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that legal provisions that guarantee quotas for women in parliament will end in 2023.Parliament could have 10-15% female representation if nothing drastic is done to improve women’s participation and remove all barriers that prohibit women from participating effectively. After the 2018 harmonised elections Zimbabwe’s ranking on the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s index of Women in Parliament fell by 13 places. In 2013 Zimbabwe was ranked number 28 of the countries that have the highest percentage of women in Parliament while, in 2018, the ranking fell to number 41. 14 PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES International law provides for the respect and protection of PWDs. In 2013, Zimbabwe became party to the Convention on the Rights of PWDs. It binds State parties take measures to ensure: a. Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons; b. Non-discrimination; c. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society; d. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity; e. Equality of opportunity; f. Accessibility; g. Equality between men and women;55 55 Article 3 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 76 | P a g e