Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo
Midlands Bureau
MKOBA Teachers’ College was yesterday turned into a sea of colour, as scores of women from across Midlands Province thronged the tertiary institution donning colourful doeks blending with zambias, as First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa continued her nationwide campaign to restore pride in Zimbabwean values.
Even some men who attended the event could not be outdone as they supported the women by donning traditional African attire.
The Midlands programme brought together women across communities, professions and age groups, creating a lively platform for mothers, grandmothers and young women to celebrate their shared heritage while learning from one another.
The colourful event was full of energy and vibrancy as women broke into songs, dances and ululations while exchanging traditional knowledge and demonstrating elegant doek-tying techniques, reminding one another of the African heritage embedded in decent dressing and self-respect.
The programme became more than a distribution exercise, evolving into a celebration of cultural oneness where women freely shared experiences on family values, motherhood, respect and the importance of passing Zimbabwean traditions to younger generations.
In a speech read on her behalf by Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube, First Lady Dr Mnangagwa commended women’s determination to preserve their culture after the event was fully subscribed, with multitudes of women attending.
Dr Mnangagwa urged women to remain custodians of the nation’s culture by upholding dignity, good morals and respect within their families and communities.
“The doek is part of who we are as Zimbabweans. It represents dignity, respect and our identity as African women. Let us continue wearing it with pride and teaching our children the values that have always defined us,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said women were at the centre of cultural preservation, hence the Doek Drive initiative was centred on women as custodians of Zimbabwe’s heritage.
“As we collectively celebrate by showcasing African womanhood while fostering African national identity and cultural preservation, women and mothers remain at the core of nurturing language, dressing, morality, relationships, business ethics and cultural protocols, especially among our youths,” she said.
The First Lady reiterated the need to preserve Zimbabwean culture while empowering women to promote unity and cultural oneness.
“This Doek and Zambia Drive initiative comes after the realisation of the negative effects of globalisation, which have been aggravated by social media and people-to-people interactions within the global village, resulting in the gradual erosion of our traditional norms and values,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said for the country to fully realise the Vision 2030 agenda, there was a need to instil a sense of motherhood, love, morality, empathy, respect and dignity among citizens.
“Your massive turnout from across the eight districts of Midlands Province demonstrates your resolute and unwavering support towards community empowerment and nation-building,” she said.
The First Lady encouraged women to support one another, saying strong families and communities are built by mothers who lead through good character, hard work and love.
Throughout the event, women enthusiastically demonstrated different ways of tying the doek, while others shared practical ideas on matching doeks with various outfits for different occasions, reaffirming the garment’s enduring place in Zimbabwean culture.
Many beneficiaries said the initiative had rekindled their appreciation of the doek as a symbol of womanhood and thanked the First Lady for creating a platform that celebrates Zimbabwean identity while strengthening unity among women.
Mrs Rumbidzai Moyo of Gweru said the programme had reminded women of the importance of preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural identity through decent dressing and respect for tradition.
“We are grateful to our First Lady Va Mamoyo for bringing us together as women. We have learnt that the doek is more than just a piece of cloth; it symbolises dignity, respect and our identity. We will continue teaching our daughters and grandchildren these values,” she said.
Mrs Beatrice Ncube said the initiative had reminded her of the rich Zimbabwean culture while strengthening unity among women from different backgrounds.
“This programme has united us. We have shared ideas, learnt new ways of tying the doek and encouraged one another to uphold our culture. We sincerely thank the First Lady for remembering us and empowering women in this way,” she said.
Elderly beneficiary Mrs Sarah Dube said she was delighted to receive the donated items and food hampers, adding that the programme had restored confidence among women.
“The gifts we have received will go a long way in assisting our families. More importantly, the First Lady has reminded us that we must always dress with dignity and preserve our traditions. We are truly thankful,” she said.
A youthful mother of one, Ms Nokuthula Sibanda, described the Doek Drive as an eye-opening initiative that had inspired younger women to embrace their cultural heritage.
“I have learnt that wearing a doek is something to be proud of. We appreciate the First Lady for creating this platform where women of all ages can meet, learn from each other and celebrate our heritage together,” she said.
As the programme concluded, women left proudly wearing their doeks and carrying hampers containing doeks, zambias, petticoats, innerwear and mealie-meal, departing with renewed confidence and a shared commitment to preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.
