5.3. Gender, Politics and Decision Making Zimbabwe recognises that sustainable development and good governance is dependent on women taking part in all decision making processes. The absence of a legislative framework for affirmative action to ensure attainment of gender quota systems for political parties and in urban and rural councils is a key hindrance to achievement of gender parity. Other underlying factors that perpetuate gender disparities in candidature in the electoral process and participation in public office such as lack of resources for the campaign process, lack of civic education, cultural perceptions, gender based violence and intimidation need a strong policy grounding to be effectively addressed. The last three factors also limit the participation of girls in leadership positions at a young age. The situation motivates this explicit policy objective and strategies to ensure equal participation in politics and decision making. Policy Objective: To create a supportive environment for gender parity in politics and decision making positions. Policy Strategies i. Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework and carry out periodic gender audits on representation and participation of men and women in politics and decision making positions. ii. Develop and strengthen policies, legal provisions and programmes, to ensure attainment of a 50/50 representation of men and women in politics and other key decision making positions. iii. Formulate and implement capacity building programmes for sitting and aspiring women leaders and support initiatives, including resource mobilisation efforts that seek to promote women in politics and other governance structures. iv. Invest in programmes aimed at enhancing assertiveness and leadership confidence in young girls to ensure equal participation in leadership in schools, tertiary institutions and junior parliament. v. Lobby for affirmative action measures in areas where sharp gender disparities exist. vi. Lobby for the elimination of cultural and traditional customs that inhibit equal participation of men and women in traditional governance and other grassroots structures. 15