First Ladies: Voices of the voiceless, champions of change

Blessings Chidakwa

FIRST LADY Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has saluted fellow African First Ladies as powerful voices of the voiceless leaders who connect directly with the everyday realities faced by women, youth, and underserved communities across the continent.

Dr Mnangagwa’s message was delivered by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the UK Retired Colonel Christian Katsande at the First Ladies of Africa Impact and Resilience (FLAIR) Summit in the United Kingdom.

The First Lady had a clash of programme invitations, as she was also participating in the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit alongside other 13 First Ladies from Africa and Asia.

There, as the country’s Merck Foundation More than a Mother Ambassador left a lasting impression, earning plaudits for her deeply moving initiatives in the health, education, and media sectors.

First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa poses for a photograph with her counterparts from Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Kenya, Angola, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe, Maldives, Liberia, Gambia, Gabon, Central African Republic and Cabo Verde, as well as Merck Foundation chairperson Prof Dr Frank Stangenberg and CEO Senator Dr Rasha Kelej during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai. — Pictures: John Manzongo

Ambassador Katsande said Dr Mnangagwa extends full support for the objectives of the summit.

“This Summit is timely and necessary. It is more important than ever to empower and amplify the voices of Africa’s First Ladies. These are voices that deeply understand the realities on the ground.

“They connect directly with ordinary citizens, especially women and youth, and are uniquely placed to advocate for inclusive development with the powers that be,” he said.

Ambassador Katsande said the summit is essential in bringing together the voices of Africa’s First Ladies to spotlight critical issues affecting African women.

“We must harness this platform to bring about real, tangible change. Our communities expect more than talk they deserve action, and we must deliver,” he said.

Ambassador Katsande also said taking a leaf from Dr Mnangagwa’s sterling works it was high time women take a leading role in shaping society.

“This Summit comes at an opportune time, as the world is facing complex challenges that require women to be the leading voices for sustainable solutions.

“It is time to listen, support, and elevate women’s leadership,” he said.

Ambassador Katsande, said through First Lady’s interactions with communities across Zimbabwe, founded the Angel of Hope Foundation, which is committed to improving health, empowering women and youth, and preserving cultural heritage.

“It has made a significant impact in both rural and urban areas empowering girls to dream big, including becoming leading entrepreneurs and scientists and strengthening Zimbabwean identity and pride.

“Her efforts in preserving and promoting cultural values earned her the title Patron of Culture and Heritage in Zimbabwe. Women’s empowerment is one of the cornerstones of the Angel of Hope Foundation,” he said.

Ambassador Katsande said through initiatives such as the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, women particularly those excluded from traditional, male-dominated financial systems are being supported to start and grow their own businesses.

“This tailored approach is unlocking potential and transforming the lives of women who would not normally have access to capital in traditional financial markets,” he said.

A detailed booklet was shared outlining the Angel of Hope Foundation’s work across key areas, including health, education, skills development, culture, environment, empowerment, and wildlife conservation.

Ambassador Katsande said Dr Mnangagwa, also extended an invitation to the organisers of FLAIR to visit Zimbabwe home to the world-renowned heritage site of Victoria Falls.