WALPE condemns abuse of women activists by state agents (Bulawayo 24 News)
The Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) has said it boldly repudiate the impetuous announcement of the Public Hearings dates (15-19 June 2020) on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill no.2 by the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
In a statement WALPE said the announcement came at a time when the country is under a COVID-19 induced lockdown and the Parliament of Zimbabwe should call off the hearings for now so as not to expose citizens to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Government put in place a ban on social gatherings of more than 50 people in order to curb the spread of the virus. What criteria is going to be used to choose the 50 people that are going to attend the public hearings? who will ensure women and youth are equally represented? Overall, this number limits the participation of many Zimbabwean citizens who want to take part in the consultation process,” WALPE said.