From Political Sidecars to Legislatures: Women and Party Politics in Southern Africa

Historically, most political parties in southern Africa have shared the common characteristic of relegating women’s political participation to ancillary organs, while the executive committees are monopolized by men. Women’s wings of political parties emerged on the premise that the primary purpose of such ancillary organs is to provide women space to organize support for male politicians through fundraising, canvassing the female vote, and generally providing entertainment for the male dignitaries during party congresses and other gatherings. By and large, the women’s wings of political parties have historically been social clubs usually led by spouses of male politicians to promote male interests.