Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Lifestyle Senior Writer
A GROWING trend of all-female outings is sweeping across the Zimbabwean showbiz landscape.
This new phenomenon has captivated the nation and reflects broader societal changes along with the evolving needs and desires of women.
Regularly, we witness themed all-women outings, including picnics, road trips and even prayer sessions in scenic mountainous areas.
Historically, women were often confined indoors, and it was considered taboo for them to celebrate independently. They would only engage in festivities with their partners or families, often under strict social restrictions.
This new wave of all-female outings has not only gripped the nation but has also become a fashion statement.
The recently concluded Doek & Slay show at Alexandra Park in Harare instantly comes to mind, as the event will soon be taken to the United Kingdom, headlined by Feli Nandi.
The songbird has also become the face of this movement, a mission she has accomplished with aplomb and zest.
Conceived a few years ago, the movement, which has expanded to other towns around Zimbabwe, has shown a shift from tradition as fun-loving ladies are now in charge. A regular Doek & Slay attendee, Lindy Nyamadzwo, who has never missed these sessions, firmly believes all-female outings are the way to go.
“As a hairdresser, I am used to all-girls parties, which have become a common phenomenon,” she stressed.
“The emergence of activities like Doek & Slay has been a plus for us because we enjoy these moments. For your information, ladies are peaceful, contrary to reports that we can’t have fun on our own.”
The well-known hairstylist, who was introduced to this culture by her elders at work, believes all-female outings encourage the exchange of ideas.
“Trends are changing, with most of the ladies now able to take themselves out.
“Over the years, we would wait for a man or close relative to take us out, but now many of us own small enterprises like grocery shops, boutiques and hair salons. As hard workers, we need this kind of fun to relieve stress and come back to work in the right frame of mind,” she emphasised.
This trend has also been enhanced by the establishment of new retreats, offering exceptional recreational services.
One person who has fuelled this movement is Graceland Waters Resort proprietor, Mrs Grace Musandiriri.
Her facility on the shores of Lake Chivero has become a sanctuary for all-female outings.
“We have been hosting all-female outings for organised groups, ranging from those coming for leisure to others attending church camps. At the end of the day, they engage in group activities and have fun together,” she pointed out.
“Based on our findings, all-female outings provide a safe and comfortable environment for women to express themselves without societal pressures. These gatherings foster a sense of unity and support among women, encouraging empowerment and shared experiences.”
Another party-goer, Martha Munemo, who runs a market stall in Harare, believes all-female outings are enhanced by the freedom most women now enjoy. “In life, we should always embrace change and move on,” shared Munemo.
“We should all recognise that as traditional gender roles evolve, women are seeking more opportunities to enjoy leisure time independently or with female friends.
“We need our time alone, and we cannot continue to be suppressed when times are changing. In my case, I have participated in these all-female outings, including road trips as far as Kariba, Victoria Falls and Nyanga with my peers.”
She added, “The increased use of social media has facilitated these outings.
“Women from various backgrounds are now connecting and bonding due to social media presence. This wave has enhanced our ability to bond and celebrate, popularising the concept of female-only gatherings.”
Another regular party-goer from Chiredzi, Miyetani Maluleke, acknowledged that this trend has also been experienced in smaller towns.
“I know many people think fun is only enjoyed in Harare, but here in the Lowveld, we might be ahead of you,” Maluleke explained.
“Many of us feel safer and more relaxed in female-only settings, reducing concerns about harassment or unwanted attention. Whenever a mixed crowd gathers, fights normally break out, and this barbaric behaviour has to be stopped.
“All-female parties often create a more nurturing environment, allowing for open conversation and connection.”
However, rising events manager, socialite, and arts consultant Gugu Nyandoro was a bit sceptical about all-female parties and outings. “We must treat this issue with caution because not all of these gatherings end peacefully,” she said.
“It’s a fact that as women, we like drama, and this has been evident at events like Doek & Slay, where many stories have been shared. “It’s quite unfortunate that many people will criticise me for saying this, but women are full of drama, and imagining them partying on their own guarantees drama, to say the least.”
With most ladies now running small enterprises, it has become clear that they also need to relax on their own after a week of hard work.
Besides drama, there are more positives in all-female outings, which have created new business opportunities. Businesses have increasingly recognised the appeal of female-centric events and have tailored their marketing strategies to attract this demographic.
The biggest advantage of such outings is that they have also given birth to networking opportunities.
With the majority of people now in the informal sector, such gatherings are not only about merrymaking but also about exchanging business ideas. In most towns, groups of these women, known as “runners,” are now exchanging notes through these parties.
In short, all-female outings can serve as platforms for women to build professional relationships in a supportive environment.
Without a doubt, these gatherings allow women to expand their social circles, make new friends, and strengthen existing bonds.
In some cases, the demand for wellness activities has also been evident in this wave. It started as a wellness group of all-female athletes and later grew into a bigger family.
The rising interest in wellness and self-care has led to more women seeking experiences that prioritise relaxation and mental health.
With increasing pressures in both professional and personal life, research has shown that women are more inclined to prioritise leisure and wellness activities.
This has led to an influx of fitness trainers, who usually take ladies out on picnics to catch up in a different setting.
It should be noted that all-female outings, which can range from casual gatherings to more structured events, appealing to various interests and preferences, have fuelled this movement.
With the emergence of new event planners who can tailor their activities to suit the specific desires of female participants, there is no slowing down in this new wave.
The combination of the aforementioned factors has contributed to a growing trend towards all-female outing parties, reflecting broader societal changes and the evolving needs and desires of women today.
Love it or loathe it, this culture is spreading like wildfire.
