Chapter 4 PARTICIPATION AND INCLUSION Background The Commonwealth Charter and international human rights instruments recognise the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes, in particular through free and fair elections, to shape the society in which they live. Governments, political parties and civil society are responsible for upholding and promoting democratic culture and practices and are accountable to the public in this regard. Zimbabwe has signed or agreed to some significant regional and international instruments and commitments relevant to the conduct of elections. These include:        African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights African Union Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities These instruments provide the framework for good governance, citizen participation, gender equality and women’s empowerment, and inclusion of youth, the elderly and persons with disabilities (inter alia), as a means of achieving sustainable democracy. Gender Legal instruments and institutions In Zimbabwe, women make up 53 per cent of the total population according to the 2017 UN World Population Prospects. The 2013 Constitution made significant strides in enshrining gender equality and women’s rights. Section 80 of the 2013 Constitution guarantees the full and equal dignity of women, including equal opportunities in political, economic and social activities. Sections 120(2)(b) and 124 (1)(b) make legal provisions for the inclusion of women in both the National Assembly and the Senate. The Constitution further attaches a specific electoral quota for women in the National Assembly, for the life of the first two parliaments. The quota system guarantees 30 per cent of parliamentary seats for women in the National Assembly. Thus, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and other civil society groups are campaigning for the quota system to be extended. 23