How We Started
From a garden conversation in 2000 to a movement transforming women's political participation in Zimbabwe
The Garden Conversation
In the year 2000, Zimbabwean feminists sat down in a garden in Harare and had a conversation around women's participation in the political processes that were taking place at the time, as well as women's engagement in Parliament.
For the first time in Zimbabwe, there were women in Parliament from across the political divide. Women from various political parties, representing diverse communities and political ideologies, were sharing political and governance spaces. It was clear that there was need to facilitate spaces to address women's political participation in the broadest sense.
First Women in Parliament
across party lines
A Legacy of Impact
Tracing our path from a garden conversation to a movement transforming women's political participation
The Garden Conversation
Zimbabwean feminists gathered in a garden in Harare to discuss women's participation in political processes and Parliament.
WiPSU Officially Registered
Women in Parliament Support Unit (WiPSU) was officially registered as a Trust under Zimbabwean Law.
Women's Caucus Established
WiPSU initiated the formation of the Zimbabwe Women's Parliamentary Caucus (ZWPC) with Hon. Flora Bhuka as first Chairperson.
Name Change to WiPSU
Organization renamed to Women in Politics Support Unit to respond holistically to women in politics and decision-making.
Vote for a Woman Campaign
First large-scale advocacy campaign for the Urban Councils Elections, encouraging voters to support women candidates.
Parliamentary Elections Campaign
Intensified Vote for Women Campaign leading to ZANU PF's adoption of 30% provincial quota for women candidates.
50/50 Campaign Launched
Campaign targeting cross-political increase in women's political candidature and leadership.
SADC Protocol Adopted
SADC Protocol on Gender and Development became a platform to leverage WiPSU's work nationally and regionally.
By The Numbers
Continuing the Legacy
Today, WiPSU remains at the forefront of advocating for women's political participation, working with women MPs, councillors, aspiring candidates, and political constituents across Zimbabwe.
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