She broke the ceiling, and now wants to shatter it for others

BY DELIGHT GUMA

GROWING up in Masvingo, Zimbabwe’s oldest city, Shantiel Chiwara witnessed both the challenges and potential of the city and province at large, and felt the urge to be involved in its development.

“My journey into politics began with a deep-rooted desire to make a tangible difference in my community,” she says.

At 25 in the 2023 general election, she made history, becoming the youngest mayor of Masvingo, and the youngest to hold the post in the country, breaking the glass ceiling for young people and women making inroads into politics.

“The inspiration to take on the role of mayor came from my passion for governance and sustainable development, coupled with a belief that young voices can drive meaningful change. I wanted to create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued,” she says.

This year, her exploits earned her great recognition, being selected for the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship, run by the US Department of State, where she was placed under the Public Management Track at Syracuse University, in the state of New York.

Mentoring others

Chiwara says mentorship has also helped her to be where she is today, and she believes this can also transform budding young female politicians.

“I am fortunate to have had mentors who have significantly influenced my political growth. One mentor, in particular, guided me through the intricacies of political engagement and governance,” she says.

“Their support and wisdom have been invaluable, helping me navigate challenges and encouraging me to stay true to my vision for change. They taught me the importance of resilience and the power of networking in politics.”

She says she envisions a political landscape in Zimbabwe that embraces inclusivity and diversity, where women and youth hold significant leadership roles.

“This evolution requires collective effort, from policymakers to grassroots movements. I hope to play a vital role in advocating for policies that support young leaders and women, fostering an environment where our contributions are recognised and valued,” she says.

“To young women aspiring to enter politics, I would say: believe in yourself and your capabilities. Surround yourself with supportive networks and seek mentorship. Don’t be discouraged by the barriers that exist; instead, use them as motivation to push through. Your voice matters, and every step you take contributes to a more inclusive political landscape.”

Political landscape for women

Chiwara says while the current political situation for women politicians shows a gradual increase in representation, driven by quotas and advocacy for gender equality, significant barriers remain, including systemic sexism, financial barriers, and cultural norms that hinder their entry and recognition.

For instance, according to the Fredrick Neumann Foundation (FNF), critics argue that while Zimbabwe’s constitution sets aside 60 parliamentary seats for women through proportional representation, the framework inadvertently perpetuates exclusion, with political parties sidelining women from key constituency races, and societal attitudes reinforcing entrenched barriers.

As of the last election and period of renewal, women and young people were underrepresented, with few MPs below 30 or younger, while nearly half of the house was 45 or younger.

Chiwara says while women often bring unique perspectives and priorities that can lead to transformative policies, their contributions are still being undervalued.

“Support networks and social media provide avenues for empowerment, yet challenges like online harassment persist. Overall, while opportunities exist for women to make an impact, ongoing efforts are needed to dismantle barriers and create a more inclusive political environment,” she says.

Despite that, Chiwara says she wishes to inspire young women by sharing her journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.

“It is important to show them that politics is not just for the elite, it is for anyone passionate about making a difference. I aim to create platforms for dialogue and mentorship, encouraging young women to pursue their political ambitions fearlessly. Together, we can redefine leadership and pave the way for future generations.”

This story first appeared in IOW Data