Tinotenda Hove – The Masvingo Women Rights Advocacy Group (MWRAG) has urged women to rally behind each other in seeking leadership positions, particularly during the forthcoming Masvingo Urban Ward 7 by-election set for September 13, 2025.

Speaking during its Women in Elections programme held last week in Masvingo, the organisation called on women in Ward 7 to support Tsungai Mandati, the only female candidate contesting against four male opponents.

According to MWRAG, decades of male-dominated leadership in Ward 7 have left many women’s concerns in Rujeko unattended, as successive councillors failed to prioritise gender-sensitive policies in council budgets and development plans.

“This by-election presents an opportunity to ensure women’s voices and issues are represented at council level,” the organisation noted. “We encourage all eligible women voters to come out and support their fellow woman candidate.”

Mandati, speaking to MWRAG, pledged to focus on community development, social welfare, and initiatives that uplift women and young people if elected. She also appealed to law enforcement agencies to safeguard the electoral environment, stressing that women are often more vulnerable to political violence and related rights violations.

“A conducive political and electoral environment enables women to participate fully in elections. I therefore urge law enforcement agents and other political players to ensure a safe and peaceful campaign period,” said Mandati.

MWRAG reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women to participate in leadership and local development processes. The organisation, however, emphasised that it works with women across the political divide and remains nonpartisan in its advocacy efforts.