Women’s Spot

Ending Sexual Harassment in Politics

By Vongai Tome

Women in politics support unit (WISPU) in Collaboration with the Movement for Democratic Change ( MDC ) Office of the Vice President Hon Lynette Karenyi Kore.

The office of the Vice President Hon Lynette Karenyi Kore organised a Workshop for Women and men leaders in the party to discuss Sexual harassment in political parties, its definition , form and impact as a barrier to Women’s participation in the electoral process.

The Vice President Hon Lynette Karenyi Kore as part of fulfilling her election Manifesto invited delegates from the party leadership nationally so that they will educate others after being equipped in the workshop.

The workshop was attended by 60 delegates selected from all provinces and the National executive who contributed a lot during the workshop. The Guest Speaker was the President of the MDC, his Excellency Advocate Nelson Chamisa who thanked the facilitators and the Vice president for such an initiative which was welcomed by all.
The topics covered included
▪Raising awareness of sexual harassment in the party.
▪Defining the impact of sexual harassment in the party
▪Establishing a strong commitment to prohibit and prevent Sexual harassment in the party.
▪Strengthening mechanisms for reporting and addressing internal complaints on sexual harassment in the party.

RESOLUTIONS

After deliberations the following resolutions were made:

  1. All party members should respect each other and address each other with dignity. No sexualised language in whatsApp groups and when addressing each other.
    No incessant calls and texting during odd hours and sexually suggestive calls or text messages. Sending of nude pictures and pornographic videos is strictly prohibited.
  2. Women are Vulnerable and should be empowered by being trained to be self reliant so as to save them from sexual harassment.
  3. An independent council to be put in place so as to deal with cases of sexual harassment. Guardian council members, were suggested as a board that can handle such cases when they arise within the party.
  4. Reported cases should be dealt with without fear or favour
  5. Stiffer penalties should be given so as to deter others from committing the same offences.

Thank you Vice President Kore for organising such a workshop it was an eye opener.

By Vongai Tome (MDC National Sec for Mobilisation Assembly of Women )

Twitter: @VongaiTOME2