The Nexus between Culture and SADC Protocol on Gender on Women in Southern: Reflections from the Premium University in Zimbabwe

This study examined the nexus between culture and SADC Protocol on Gender on Women in Southern Africa, with reference to the University of Zimbabwe (2015-2019). There were four objectives in the research which examined the cultural implications on SADC’s Protocol on Gender, the provisions of SADC’s Protocol on Gender for ensuring increased participation of women at the University of Zimbabwe, the cultural barriers that obstruct the participation of women at the University of Zimbabwe and to proffer options for ensuring more women representation in senior positions. The study was both qualitative and quantitative and data was collected from the University of Zimbabwe men and women in senior positions. The researcher used questionnaires and interviews as research instruments. The SADC Protocol on Gender has 23 targets and the main target is to ensure that women have 50% of decision-making positions in the private and public sectors. The findings from the study revealed that there were few women who occupied senior positions at the University of Zimbabwe than men. The study also showed that African society is still dominated by patriarchy and there are several religious and cultural beliefs that hinder or derail participation of women in leadership positions among them gender differences, female stereotyping and perception that women are inferior and incompetent. Considering the research findings, recommendations were made. The first key recommendation was that there is need for the Heads of States and Government to actively participate in the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Gender. Secondly, there is need for cultural change and revolution and a change of both men and women mind-sets. Another recommendation was that the expansion of the quota system so that there is a significant increase in the number of women in senior positions.