Celebrating women

Latwell Nyangu

Female photographer Nyasha ‘‘The female Photographer’’ Gurure, who has been in the male dominated industry for the past four years, says it has not been easy as gender issues continue to hinder women from achieving their targeted goals.

As the world commemorates the work done by women this month, Nyasha believes there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed to elevate women.

The theme for Women’s Month is ‘‘Embracing Equity’’.

“This is my fourth year in photography. My journey started in 2019 when I bought my first camera and began posting and sharing the work I did.

“And this month has 30 days of defining me, especially with this year’s theme ‘Embracing Equity’. It means a lot to me because it explains my day-to-day life.

“I will say working in an industry dominated by men moves me whenever equity is mentioned. I know that this theme will give me and other women more confidence and enlighten me more.”

She said, challenges faced by women is the misinterpretation of how women should work. “There is always a misinterpretation of my agenda. I have faced many criticisms, especially from men in the industry.

“I remember I wanted to take a certain contract and the man who was the deputy director started asking me unusual questions.

“His questions were trying to make the whole board feel like I am a feminist, lesbian maybe and a problem to men. And because of this, I obviously lost the contract.

“Men judge us by how we look, talk and work. So, some have not given me contracts because they look at the gender and not the skill,” said Nyasha.

She believes strengths should be considered and not gender.

“I chose never to change to fit into the critic’s belief. I believe that we should operate according to our strengths and I work with those who appreciate my gift.

“My journey has been so interesting even though I haven’t reached my targets because it’s taking a bit longer for people to really understand the depth of art in each image I take,” she said.

Nyasha has been scooping awards for her outstanding photography.

“I am a holder of The Most Outstanding Photographer in Zimbabwe under Trend Setting Youth Awards.

“I have been recognised as the queen print from 2019 and have been nominated to represent Zimbabwe as the Female Camera Operator of the ear in the Ladies in Media Awards.”

She urged all women to keep working hard.

“I know that there is a hoarse voice limiting you and keeping you in a cubicle, but don’t hesitate to go outside the box. Strive to ignore the negatives, use each day to equip yourself, find your strength and do it.

“Even if you stand and see that only men are in the field working, don’t hesitate to join them if that’s what you are called to do.

“I am into artistic story telling photography and in most of my pictures, I combine different elements to tell different stories that are meant to enlighten and bring change.

“I always create concepts that show the strengths of a women which are rarely displayed when we are mentioned.

“I believe that because I am a woman, I can tell the story better. I have done different portraits specifically for this month and theme that carries very deep messages,” she said.