Elisabeth Valerio
Elisabeth Isabel Valerio was born in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, and grew up in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province. Much of her childhood in the mid-1970s was spent at her parents' grocery store in the Machipisa Shopping Center in Highfield. She attended the University of California, Los Angeles. Valerio is a Zimbabwean businesswoman and politician, leading the United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA). In the 2023 Zimbabwean general election, she stood as the only female presidential candidate.
Quotes
[edit]- I am Elisabeth Valerio, a businesswoman, scientist, conservationist, and the leader of the United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) a political party dedicated to uniting Zimbabweans and fostering a prosperous, sustainable future for our nation. With a background as a global advocate for diversity, education, and African economic development, I am deeply honored to represent UZA as a presidential candidate in Zimbabwe's 2023 general elections.
- [1]
- This victory holds deep personal meaning for me, but it’s also a triumph for women. It reinforces my belief in the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what is right.
- [2]
- I seek nothing in politics beyond a better future for Zimbabwe. I have the financial resources and everything I need; there’s nothing that politics could offer me that I don’t already possess.
- [3]
- People tell me I’m in this for reasons like joining POLAD or wanting cars, but I already have cars and houses. My motivation comes from dissatisfaction with the state of our country. I know people sacrificed their lives for a better Zimbabwe, yet true equality is still missing; only a few benefit while ordinary citizens continue to struggle.
- [4]
- In our society, there's still a mindset or cultural view that doesn’t see women as leaders or believe a woman could lead Zimbabwe. However, the response I’ve been receiving during my tours across Zimbabwe has been different. Meeting people face to face, I’m hearing more voices saying it’s time for a woman to lead. So, I’d say the response is mixed but evolving.
- [5]