66 Zvobgo and Dziva/African Women’s Rights Protocol in Zimbabwe their own interests. Male-dominated political institutions of government do not promote women or women’s issues’.28 Unless women are represented in legislative and decision bodies, their interests may not be articulated and may therefore suffer from policy neglect.29 Even though there are limited empirical studies to prove that male politicians always exclude women concerns, and that female politicians always prioritise women’s issues, it can be submitted that a mixed parliament, cabinet, and other decision-making bodies are poised to be fair and to transform the lives of all groups of people in society. Similarly, gender-balanced political and decision-making bodies tend to address more of the concerns that exclusively or disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups of the society. Lovenduski and Karam are of the opinion that the ‘presence of female decision-makers greatly influences the outcome of issues debated.’30 Govender was quoted by Karam to have stated that “with more women in politics, the gun culture will be eliminated from the political agendas and certain ideals such as politics as a service to humanity and creating a qualitative difference will be reinstated”.31 Inclusion of women in local governance, parliament and cabinet can therefore be an effective starting point for reducing conflicts, gender based violence, and for effective representation of women’s needs, interests and priorities. Furthermore, the process of participative democracy infuses leadership and political skills into women. This has the capacity to produce more women leaders who are ready for higher responsibilities. The more women practice leadership and decision-making roles, including in settings outside government such as the workplace and, community affairs, the more effective women become in articulating political views and demands at higher levels. In addition, women’s active participation in political life often brings a sense of ownership to decisions and deliberations reached by politically inclusive institutions. As a disadvantaged group in society, women become empowered as they develop the capacity to share problems, experiences and propose solutions on matters affecting them. As Smith stated, developing negotiating skills and an ability to cooperate are central to the process of women’s empowerment and ultimately national development. 32 All things considered, women participation and representation in public life is vital for democratic transition or consolidation. In its true sense, democracy entails a fair and reflective political system, which is representative of men and women in democratic institutions and processes. As equal human beings, women must be afforded the chance to participate at the same level with men in matters shaping their lives. 28 N Shvedova ‘Obstacles to women’s participation in Parliament’ in J Ballington & A Karam (eds) Women in Parliament: beyond numbers (2005) 20. 29 N Chowdhury ‘Women in politics, empowerment’ (1994) 1 A Journal of Women for Women 21-42; KP Panday ‘Representation without participation: quotas for women in Bangladesh’ (2008) 29 International Political Science Review 489. 30 J Lovenduski & A Karam Women in parliament: making a difference (2000). 31 J Ballington & A Karam (ed) Women in politics: beyond numbers (2005). 32 BC Smith Good governance and development (2007).