64-year-old Elizabeth Mutandwa is part of a group of digital activists. Elderly women on a smartphone in Zimbabwe's rural Domboshava region - about 40 kilometers from the capital Harare - are actively campaigning.
They are pushing information to promote their party - the Civic Coalition for Change - in their locality to counter the intimidation and truncated new news from the state media.
"Everyone around here knows that we are opposition activists, so some people are too afraid to openly interact with us. But that's no longer a problem, we talk to them on WhatsApp and they can join the campaign from the safety of their homes and vote on election day for (Nelson) Chamisa,” hopes Mutandwa.
Elizabeth Mutandwa posted a viral video showing a troop of baboons tearing down the ruling party's campaign posters to several community WhatsApp groups, along with other campaign information and news articles sourced from various online sources, before walking several kilometers to a rally addressed by the main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa.
While several hundred people attended the rally on Tuesday (August 15), many others from the area stayed at home because they were too afraid of intimidation or did not hear about it on state radio.
A big shift from past rural political campaigns
To counter intimidation and lack of information, rural residents are increasingly turning to social media and instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp to spread their messages.
Such technology was previously widely used in urban areas, but has gained traction in rural areas where word of mouth or state radio are usually the primary sources of information.
Opposition leaders say the meetings are either banned or too risky to hold regularly because of intimidation and biased state media.
Mutandwa taught her grandson how to use a smartphone as well as create and manage WhatsApp groups.
The women manage nearly 10 WhatsApp groups, some dedicated to specific age groups for targeted messaging.
This is a significant shift from past rural political campaigns where parties often use community meetings, rallies and even funerals to reach voters, said Rejoice Ngwenya, a strategic communications expert based in the capital, Harare.
"Online messaging is a very urban thing," Ngwenya said.
"But due to poor radio coverage, WhatsApp messaging has a very high impact phase," he added.
The opposition and human rights groups have repeatedly accused the state media of being biased against the ruling ZANU-PF party, a concern shared by various election observers, including those from the African Union, in previous elections.
According to a report by the European Union Observer Mission for Zimbabwe's 2018 elections, state-controlled public television station ZANU-PF devoted 85 percent of its coverage during the election period, and just over 80 percent was covered by the ruling party on one popular state-controlled public radio station. monitored by the mission.
Increased mobile phone and internet penetration is helping to fill the gap in current choices.
We hope for a snowball effect
According to Zimbabwe's Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the mobile penetration rate in the southern African country of 15 million is just over 90%, although only about half the population has smartphones that can access apps like WhatsApp.
Mutandwa and her group lack the technology, expertise or financial resources to send bulk SMS to people who don't have smartphones and can't receive WhatsApp messages, so they encourage people to read and share the messages with neighbors who don't own smartphones. .
Internet penetration is 65% in Zimbabwe, although much of it is concentrated in urban areas, a situation that poses a challenge for the opposition's online campaign in the countryside.
Ngwenya said while messaging apps are popular in rural areas, charging systems and data can be difficult to obtain.
For Mutandwa and her group of grandmothers, it's better than nothing, and they're hoping for a snowball effect that can help spread the word to others.
Zimbabwe heads to the polls on August 23 to elect a president and legislature in what analysts expect will be a tense affair marked by a crackdown on dissent and fears of vote rigging.
In the heart of rural Zimbabwe, a remarkable and determined group of grandmothers are defying the odds and significantly influencing the democratic process of their community. Using the ubiquitous messaging app WhatsApp, these resilient women are standing up to electoral intimidation and fostering an atmosphere of civic engagement and empowerment. In this article, we delve into their inspiring story and the innovative ways they are shaping a better future for their region.
Combating electoral intimidation:
Election intimidation has long been a problem in many parts of the world, particularly in rural areas where access to information and communication channels is limited. However, these grandmothers are changing the narrative. Using WhatsApp, a platform that is easily accessible and user-friendly, they have found a way to spread important information and counter scare tactics.
WhatsApp as a catalyst for change:
WhatsApp has proven to be a game changer for these grandmothers, providing them with a safe and effective way to communicate. They create dedicated groups where community members can join to share information, voice concerns and support rallies. Using the app's features such as text messages, voice messages, images and videos, they effectively spread the word about voting rights, voting procedures and ways to report intimidation.
Supporting community resilience:
In addition to fighting election intimidation, these grandmothers foster a sense of community resilience. WhatsApp groups serve as safe spaces where individuals can find solidarity and encouragement. By bringing together like-minded citizens, grandmothers foster a collective spirit that encourages people to overcome obstacles and actively participate in the democratic process.
Authorization through information:
Information is power and these grandmothers understand the importance of providing accurate and timely information. They use WhatsApp to share educational content, debunk misinformation and ensure their community makes informed choices when voting. In doing so, they enable individuals to exercise their right to vote confidently and without fear.
Digital bridging:
Rural areas often face a digital divide, but these grandmothers are closing the gap. They offer digital literacy workshops to help community members effectively navigate WhatsApp and other online tools. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone, regardless of age or background, can contribute to the collective effort against election intimidation.
The grandmothers of rural Zimbabwe are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of technology to drive positive change. Through their unwavering determination and innovative use of WhatsApp, they are dispelling the shadow of electoral intimidation, fostering community cohesion and empowering individuals to play an active role in shaping their democratic future. As their story continues to unfold, it serves as an inspiring example for others around the world, highlighting the potential of local initiatives to create lasting impact in the most challenging circumstances.
In the heart of rural Zimbabwe, a remarkable group of grandmothers are rewriting the narrative of election intimidation. Through the dynamic medium of WhatsApp, these women bravely stand up to the threats that often accompany the democratic process. Find out how their innovative approach not only defies intimidation, but also fosters a strong sense of community solidarity.
Combating electoral intimidation in rural Zimbabwe
Using WhatsApp for bold change
These grandmothers have chosen WhatsApp as their weapon to counter election intimidation. With its ease of use and widespread adoption, this messaging platform becomes a beacon of hope, allowing them to share important information and get support quickly.
Building community resilience
These grandmothers, united by a common cause, transcend generations and backgrounds. Through WhatsApp groups, they create a space where collective wisdom is enhanced and members empower each other with knowledge about their democratic rights and peaceful advocacy.
Spreading awareness, not fear
In a world often awash in misinformation, these grandmothers have taken on the role of disseminators of information. By disseminating accurate information about the election process, candidates and voting practices, they silence the noise of intimidation and replace it with the clarity of knowledge.
Strengthening democracy through unity
Grandma WhatsApp groups are much more than just digital forums; they serve as virtual meeting places where unity is cultivated. By joining with neighbors and allies, these women foster a sense of collective responsibility to ensure free and fair elections that are not deterred by intimidation.
In rural Zimbabwe, grandmothers' fight against electoral intimidation is a testament to the power of unity, information and digital tools. Through WhatsApp, they are rewriting the rules and reaffirming the values of democracy, one message at a time. As they stand together to protect their rights and the rights of their community, their story becomes an inspiration for fearless advocacy around the world.
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