General
Source: The Herald
Members of Parliament have called for the declaration of the International Women's Day as a public holiday in recognition of the political, economic and social achievement of women.
The day is commemorated on March 8 annually.
Bulawayo Proportional representative member Ms Thokozani Khupe (MDC-T) moved the motion which was supported by the majority of legislators.
In her contribution, Ms Khupe said women constituted 52 percent of Zimbabwe's population and contributed to the bulk of food consumed in the country, yet their work continuously go unnoticed.
"In 2006 and 2007, women crossed borders to buy food when things were bad in the country," she said.
"When it comes to elections, it is women who conduct door to door campaigns. Even on election day, women constitute the bulk of people in queues."
Ms Khupe said fewer women occupied decision making positions in Government and other sectors, a situation she said was a source of worry.
The Constitution, she said, conferred several rights on women, but were not being implemented.
Mkoba MP Mr Amos Chibaya (MDC-T) said Zimbabwe's renowned medium spirit, Mbuya Nehanda was a woman and the late Vice President Simon Muzenda recited a poem in her honour as testimony of the importance of women. He said it was important that there be a day to reflect on the role of women.
Proportional representative MP Mrs Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga (MDC) moaned the absence of few legislators and journalists in the Chamber to listen to the motion.
She said it was saddening that only one journalist remained in the press gallery despite that there were several of them when the session started. "I want to commend the gentleman who remained in the press gallery to listen to this debate," she said.
While most legislators who took the floor supported the motion, others differed on the need to set aside a day, arguing that it retarded economic production.