dyton mupawaenda
Elliot Ziwira-Deputy Features Editor
Thousands of women are making a difference in this country across all sectors.
As Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day today, under the theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” we honour the remarkable women who have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
This year’s theme is profound in that it stresses the need to empower women across all spheres of human endeavour.
Thousands of women are making a difference in this country across all sectors.
Expressing power of womanhood through music
Globally, countless women have used music as a powerful tool for self-expression, empowerment, and social change.
In Zimbabwe, female musicians have played a vital role in shaping the country’s musical heritage, despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles—at the personal, familial or communal levels.
As captured by Joyce Jenje Makwenda in “Women Musicians of Zimbabwe: A Celebration of Women’s Struggle for Voice and Artistic Expression: 1930s-2013” (2013), the country’s music scene has been shaped by female musicians for over seven decades.
From the pioneering women of township jazz in the 1930s, such as Laina Mataka and Evelyn Juba—pioneers of township jazz, to the iconic voices of Dorothy Masuka, Stella Chiweshe, and Chiwoniso Maraire, Zimbabwean women have consistently used music to tell their stories, share their struggles, and celebrate their triumphs.
The 1930s saw pioneers Mataka and Juba blend negro spirituals, gospel, and traditional music.
The 1940s-50s introduced Reni Nyamundanda, Faith Dauti, and Dorothy Masuka. Later, Susan Chenjerai, Susan Mapfumo, and other songstresses inspired by the liberation struggle rose to fame.
Nyamundanda played with De Black Evening Follies, while Dauti partnered the Milton Brothers and Gay Gaieties.
On the other hand, Masuka rode on the crest of a new wave of expansion and investment in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, which created opportunities for entertainment.
After Independence in 1980, women like Stella Chiweshe, Busi Ncube, and Rozalla Miller took centre stage, popularising traditional instruments, gospel, and township jazz. Today, artists like Hope Masike, Tariro neGitare, and Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana continue this legacy.
Through music, women challenged societal norms, defied patriarchal expectations, and inspired generations of others to find their voices and assert their rights.
They have also played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, using traditional instruments like the mbira, hosho, and ngoma to create unique and captivating sounds.
Despite the many achievements of Zimbabwean female musicians, they continue to face significant challenges, including financial barriers, societal stereotypes, and patriarchal attitudes that seek to stifle their creativity and silence their voices.
It is only right to honour the female musicians of Zimbabwe and around the world, who have used their music to inspire, empower, and transform their communities. A world where women’s voices are valued, respected, and amplified, personifies peace, unity, and harmony.
Honouring Nyunyai, the spring in innovative e-learning
Another woman worthy of celebration this women’s month is Nyunyai Chigumira Machiwenyika, a true icon of innovation and entrepreneurship, whose destiny has always been shaped by courage, perseverance, and motivation.
Nyunyai is a trailblazing entrepreneur, publisher, and education technology innovator who has made a significant impact in Zimbabwe’s education sector.
Born on March 20, 1979, in Harare, she grew up in the mining town of Zvishavane in a polygamous family of 18 siblings, and was raised with strong values of hard work, integrity, and spirituality.
She pursued a career in economics, teaching, and procurement before venturing into publishing. Nyunyai is the founder and managing director of Spring Hub Publishing, a company that specialises in creating digital learning solutions for primary and secondary schools.
Established in 2016, her Hub has become a leading provider of educational resources and digital solutions in Zimbabwe.
Inspired by the divine presence, Nyunyai’s journey to success has been marked by determination, perseverance, and a strong sense of faith. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has remained committed to her vision of transforming the education landscape in Zimbabwe through technology.
From her humble beginnings to a trailblazing career in publishing, pertinently her niche in educational technology, she has remained true to her values and vision.
Through her work at Spring Hub Publishing, Nyunyai has demonstrated a commitment to improving education outcomes in Zimbabwe. Her innovative approach to learning has made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of learners, and her dedication to her craft is an inspiration to humanity.
Among her triumphs, Nyunyai pioneered educational technology solutions in Zimbabwe, provided access to quality educational resources and digital content, and empowered learners, educators, and communities through technology-driven solutions.
“It’s the 21st Century; digital solutions are the way to go,” Nyunyai says. “The globe has become one huge village. And, the traditional textbook is now playing second fiddle to new technologies.”
She also won the ZITF 2022 First Time Exhibitor Silver Award and the Zim CEOs Network Awards 2023.
Yet, Nyunyai’s success is not just a personal achievement; it is a demonstration of the potential of women’s empowerment as well. Indeed, with hard work, determination, and a strong sense of purpose, women can overcome even the most daunting challenges and achieve greatness.
Thus, honouring Nyunyai’s achievements this women’s month, is a celebration of courage, pliability, and commitment to making a difference beyond one’s immediate community. A true champion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, she is a universal role model for women and girls, who continues to inspire a new generation of change-makers.
Mercy Matsika: A beacon of leadership, empowerment
Mercy Matsika, a renowned business leader, entrepreneur, and mentor, is another remarkable woman whose inspiring story deserves to be celebrated.
Born on March 2, 1984, in Zvishavane, Mercy’s life testifies to resilience, determination, and a passion for empowering others.
Notwithstanding the many challenges she faced, including the loss of her parents at a young age, she has risen to become a respected business leader and mentor, inspiring countless women and young entrepreneurs.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership acumen have been evident throughout her career. She co-founded Megafest Holdings, a multifaceted organisation that comprises various subsidiaries, including Megafest Business Magazine, Megafest Business Awards, and Motivate Women’s Forum.
Under her guidance, Megafest Holdings has blossomed into a leading marketing communication firm, nurturing startups and established businesses alike.
One of Mercy’s most notable achievements is the Motivate Women’s Forum, which she founded to provide networking opportunities, mentorship, access to funding, and training for female entrepreneurs.
Through this platform, she has mentored over 800 women from different backgrounds, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve their business goals.
Mercy’s leadership philosophy is centred around empowerment, collaboration, and innovation. She believes in fostering a culture of teamwork, adaptability, and continuous learning, which has enabled her organisation to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
She has received numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions to business and entrepreneurship. She was listed among the 40 under 40 Most Influential Young Business Leaders in Zimbabwe in 2023, which proves her work ethic, dedication, and impart.
Mercy envisions a universe in which women are united, leveraging their collective strength in support of each other’s aspirations.
“In this world, women would have equal opportunities and a network of support to thrive in every aspect of life—empowering each other through education, mentorship and resource sharing,” she reflects.
Therefore, celebrating Mercy Matsika on International Women’s Day is a recognition of her tireless efforts to empower women, promote entrepreneurship, and inspire positive change in her community and beyond.
Silibaziso Mpofu’s 30-year vending journey
Forty-eight-year-old Silibaziso Mpofu, a vendor for over 30 years, deserves celebration this women’s month, too.
Born in Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province, in 1977, Silibaziso’s life has not been a smooth glide on ice. Driven by the pangs of motherhood, she resolved to provide for her family despite the stakes against her.
She defied the odds, including losing her husband to death at a young age, to become a respected entrepreneur and mother, inspiring countless women and young entrepreneurs.
Silibaziso’s entrepreneurial spirit was forged in the furnaces of determination spanning over three decades. She has been vending from the same spot in Harare’s First Street Mall since 1992, having been introduced to hawking by her mother in 1990.
Over the years, she has seen her range of merchandise transform, adapting to the changing operating environment.
One of her most notable achievements is her ability to provide for her children, despite the numerous challenges she has faced. She has taken her children through boarding school.
She has also taught her daughters, Clara Ncube and Vanessa Jaricha, how to navigate their way out of the fear associated with the streets of her trade, which have often brought her tears — tears of both exhilaration and dejection —in equal measure.
Hers is a story of the resilience that only a hen eagle exhibits in a jungle where eaglets are a delicacy. It is a tale of motherhood. From an early age, Silibaziso learnt that the nature of their being exposes women to all forms of fear—the fear of the unknown being paramount.
Beating the early morning dew at 0430hrs, her day begins with a sojourn to Mbare Musika before she hits her vending spot in the central business district of Harare around 9.30am. She knocks off at 7pm when the large retailer from whose pavement she operates closes shop.
Through her vending enterprise, she managed to buy a stand in Ruwa through a housing cooperative and build a cottage. She also bought two cars, which she uses as taxis.
Clara, who is now married, praises her mother for her determination and resilience. “My mother has taught me that with patience, determination, and perseverance, one can make it in life regardless of background,” she says.
Her younger sister, Vannessa is studying medicine and surgery at Edern University in Zambia.
“If all goes well, she wants to buy a kombi to use in her business as she intends to open a grocery shop in Darwendale,” Vanessa says.
She adds that the streets, which she was introduced to by her mother at 13, have the capacity to make or break any woman.
“There are times when my mother comes home dejected after having lost goods or money to police or council raids. She would brave it the following day as if nothing would have happened,” she says.
Indeed, no obstacle can hinder women’s determination and passion on their path towards the attainment of greatness.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, therefore, we recognise the essence of womanhood and the importance of creating spaces for women to express themselves, share their stories, and assert their rights.
Online Reporter