Militarized masculinities, heroes and gender inequality during and after the nationalist struggle in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The article focuses on the gendered character of the nationalist struggle in Zimbabwe in the 1970s, and the establishment and role of the Zimbabwean state. I demonstrate that the much publicized gender equality promised during the struggle has produced little change. The article challenges a simple reading of patriarchal power, and demonstrates the utility of a more nuanced approach to understanding the role of post-conflict militarized masculinities, state heroes and gender inequality in the establishment of patriarchal rule in post-conflict Zimbabwe. It confirms the importance of careful historical analysis of gendered practices and hierarchies and a willingness to move beyond simplistic readings of militarized masculinity and power.

Keywords:

• militarized masculinities
• Zimbabwe
• nationalism
• governance
• gender equality

Notes on contributor

Jane L. Parpart is a Professor at the Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance, McCormack Graduate School, University of Massachusetts Boston. Professor Parpart is a board member and co-editor of Politics, Power and Gender Justice in the Anglophone Caribbean, IRDC-funded project with University of West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago. She is coeditor with Marysia Zalewski of Rethinking the Man Question: Sex, Gender and Violence in International Relations (ZED Books, 2008).

Notes

1. ZAPU was the first nationalist movement, led by Joshua Nkomo and established in the 1960s. ZANU broke away in 1963. These two organizations dominated the nationalist struggle.

2. The Lancaster Agreement grew out of a meeting of all the parties involved in the conflict. It was brokered by the UK and took place in 1979.