She Defends the Nation: Women’s Stake in Resisting Authoritarian Drift

By Sichasisile Ndlovu

In the political landscape of Zimbabwe, women have historically occupied complex and often contradictory roles. Some act as defenders of authoritarian systems, while others bravely challenge them. This dynamic deserves more than a passing glance; it calls for an acknowledgement of the deep and often uncomfortable realities surrounding political participation in a state where democracy is precarious.

Take, for instance, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) Women’s League, currently fronted by Mabel Chinomona. This League has faced repeated accusations and has often been accused of rubber-stamping authoritarian policies, including the violent suppression of opposition during elections. It is evident that this body often functions more as an extension of party orthodoxy than a platform for women’s empowerment. However, dismissing all female political actors as agents of repression ignores the contributions of individuals like of former Movement for Democratic Change Member of Parliament, Honourable Jessie Majome and human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa - women who have courageously and consistently used the law to advocate for constitutionalism and justice in the face of state-sponsored intimidation.

Recognising that women are not monolithic is crucial. It acknowledges that political participation is influenced by intersecting factors such as economic necessity, historical positioning, personal ambition, and social expectations. Some women may align with authoritarian power structures for protection, stability, or career advancement, while others may mobilize against them to demand change. These decisions are often strategic, rather than purely ideological, reflecting the broader challenges of political survival and agency in Zimbabwe.

The danger lies in allowing one narrative to dominate. If we only view women as pawns of the ruling elite, we risk stripping them of agency. If we only celebrate women in opposition, we ignore the uncomfortable truth that power can corrupt, and that women, too, can support or benefit from authoritarianism. Zimbabwe’s current political situation, marked by attempts to undermine the constitution and suppress dissent, has generated a new wave of counter-mobilization in which women should take the lead and influence processes that resist authoritarianism and constitutional mutilation.

Amid escalating assaults on democratic institutions, it is time for Zimbabwean women to not only be seen but heard, loudly and strategically. The current wave of political repression demands a new kind of counter-mobilization, one led by women who understand both the costs of complicity and the stakes of resistance. This is not just a gender issue, it is a democratic imperative.

Institutions like the ZANU-PF Women’s League must be critically examined, not merely for their existence but for their purpose. Are these women in leadership roles genuinely aiming to reform, or are merely to legitimize a failing system? The risk of instrumentalization, using women to polish the image of an authoritarian regime, must not be underestimated.

At the same time, grassroots women’s groups and progressive activists must step into the breach. As the state tightens its grip and continues its assault on constitutional order, it is these women who can reframe the national narrative, pushing back against power grabs masked as reform and demanding genuine accountability.

Erosion of Democratic Institutions and Counter-Mobilization

The erosion of democratic institutions, whether through constitutional manipulation or suppression of dissent voices, requires a counterforce, it becomes clear that a counterforce is urgently needed. And it is women who are uniquely positioned to spearhead this resistance.

The historical record is clear. Women-led movements have often been at the forefront of reclaiming democratic space. Drawing strength from deep-rooted community networks, women have built coalitions that challenge entrenched power demanding accountability. In Zimbabwe, the fight mounted by young female activists like Namatai Kwekweza and Vongai Zimudzi against unconstitutional amendments stands as a powerful example of this legacy in action.

This moment calls for more than isolated acts of resistance. It requires a collective effort, strategic forecasting, a shift from fragmented protest to an organized united movement. Rather than reactive opposition, women must focus on inclusive, empowering strategies that can reorient the governance landscape. Only through such coordinated efforts can authoritarian norms be dismantled and replaced with systems grounded in democratic values and real accountability.

Women Expanding Anti-Authoritarian Resistance

The growing involvement of women in Zimbabwe’s pro-democracy movements is not only inspiring, but also strategically vital. Their mobilization broadens the struggle against authoritarianism, transforming scattered local efforts into a cohesive, national push for accountability and constitutional integrity. Despite their critical role, women’s contributions often remain underrepresented in mainstream political narratives.

Women activists have long been the backbone of ongoing resistance, shaping discourse, sustaining momentum, and challenging abuses of power. Their efforts extend well beyond protests, as they engage in grassroots organising and influence policy debates. Notable figures such as former Vice President Joice Mujuru, fearless community organizer Melbah Dzapasi, and grassroots mobilizer Violet Mariyacha exemplify the diverse and multifaceted nature of women’s political agency. Although they represent diverse ideological standpoints, they are united in their commitment to defending democratic principles.

However, as mentioned, sustained resistance demands continuous activation and reinforcement of agency within these movements. Encouraging more women to step beyond comfort zones and engage in visible political activism requires strategic empowerment, whether through community organizing, legal advocacy or leveraging digital platforms to amplify resistance narratives.

But what is the Cost of Women’s Stake in Resisting Authoritarian Drift?

The conviction of award winning novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga and Julie Barnes in September 2022, followed by Fadzai Mahere’s sentencing in April 2023, underscores the steep price women pay for speaking truth to power in Zimbabwe. These cases exemplify a deliberate pattern of judicial abuse, harassment aimed at stifling dissent, particularly against women who dare to challenge state repression.

Dangarembga and Barnes were convicted for ‘inciting public violence’ after holding a peaceful protest in July 2020, calling for democratic reforms. Similarly, Mahere, a lawyer and former member of parliament was convicted under a law that had already been invalidated by the Supreme Court, a glaring example of the state weaponizing defunct legislation to suppress free speech. While they avoided imprisonment through fines, the criminal records attached to their names serve as a lasting stigma and deterrent against future activism. The case of other opposition activists Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri, and Netsai Marova further illustrates the gendered repression faced by women in politics. Their repeated arrests, including for allegedly "faking an abduction" after being tortured, reveal how Zimbabwean authorities systematically target female activists to delegitimize and intimidate them. What emerges is a deeply gendered form of repression, one that aims to discredit, intimidate, and ultimately silence women who dare to demand a more democratic Zimbabwe.

Energizing Women’s Defence Zone, Re-igniting Women’s Movements

The call for renewed energy in Zimbabwe’s women-led movements is a powerful rallying cry for democratic preservation. Women have historically played an essential role in challenging authoritarianism, and their collective voice remains crucial in safeguarding constitutionalism, human rights, and the integrity of governance.

What makes this moment particularly urgent is the need to expand participation beyond traditional activist spaces. For women’s movements to drive lasting change, they must reflect the full spectrum of Zimbabwean society—reaching across class, profession, and geographical areas. The precedent set in Myanmar, where women from all sectors mobilized in defiance of military rule, is a compelling reminder that unified, cross-sector action can disrupt even the most entrenched regimes. In Zimbabwe, we are beginning to see similar alliances forming, linking rural and urban women in a shared struggle for justice.

However, mobilization alone is not enough. Sustaining these movements requires strategic planning, establishing networks that amplify voices, hold leaders accountable, and drive meaningful policy influence. Women-led efforts must leverage digital platforms, expand grassroots organizing, and advocate for direct engagement in political processes. Strengthening ties with international pro-democracy movements can also elevate their cause, bringing global visibility and pressure to bear on a regime resistant to reform.

Zimbabwe’s democratic future may well depend on how boldly and cohesively its women move forward, together, across divisions, and with unwavering resolve.

Sichasisile Ndlovu is a Project Management & Community Development Specialist Accomplished and energetic project management and community development specialist with a robust track record in management, community development, and youth empowerment. Adept at identifying CBO institutional gaps and designing innovative systems and policies to bolster organisational effectiveness. Known for strong organizational and prioritization abilities, believing that coordinated efforts lead to the best results.