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An IEC banner seen at a voting station in South Africa.
Gender and governance expert Dr Lithare Rabela says due to safety concerns, more women will fear participating as candidates in the forthcoming municipal elections.
She was speaking at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) event, themed Women Championing Democracy – Paving the Way to 2026 Local Government Elections.
The gathering is attended by women in influential positions, including politicians, media practitioners, gender activists and academics, among others.
Dr Rabela says most women fear for their safety in a male-dominated and violent political space at the local sphere of government.
“I have done a lot of research on women, peace and security and how the lack of security affects women’s participation in elections. A recent example of the attack on former KZN Premier … attack on her house. What does that say to other women who aspire to be in politics?”
“Unfortunately, the local government elections are a cash cow for politicians. All the issues around tenders lead to political killings that we are seeing. The fear of being intimidated and attacked and your family being harassed, forces women to decline even where they could be given opportunities,” says Rabela.
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