Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
THE 2k generation has been posting profusely online about August 1, while the older generation has been asking what the hullabaloo is about the date.
It turns out the day is “International Girlfriends Day.”
It is an unofficial social media driven event that netizens have pushed into a mini-Valentine’s Day, where women expect to be spoiled by their partners.
Originating in the United States of America, Girlfriends Day marked a celebration of platonic or non-romantic love by both men and women for their close female friends.
A random vox pop in the streets of Bulawayo and online about the social media craze revealed that 77 out of 100 people were clueless about the day and had only seen memes flying around on social media.
The 23 who knew about it did not know the origins and some went as far as to say: “It’s a pandemic meant to empty men’s wallets.”
What started as a little-known online observance has grown into one of the biggest relationship trends on social media, with couples across the world using the day to post tributes, exchange gifts and celebrate their partners.
Most men dismissed it as an unnecessary social media trend or questioned why there are so many days dedicated to women.
Over the years, it has evolved largely through social media, where brands, influencers and couples have fuelled its popularity by encouraging romantic gestures, surprise gifts and appreciation posts.
Danisa Masuku of Mabutweni Suburb laughed off the celebration, saying: “It’s a US National Girlfriend Day. Do you want to make men broke? This just another pandemic meant to empty our pockets.”
“How many women’s days are there from January until December? Every day is some sort of women’s celebration!” he said.
Another respondent said: “1 August is Girlfriend’s Day. The keyword is girlfriends. It has nothing to do with relationships. It’s meant to celebrate female friendships.”
Nduduzo Sibanda said he did not need a special date to show affection.
“I am a generous lover myself. That means I don’t need a certain date to spoil my partner.”
“You guys really hate your partners. I jump at an opportunity to give my girlfriend a gift.”
Natasha Sibanda of Mpopoma suburb said she would break up with her boyfriend if he did not spoil her on Saturday.
“I don’t know if he knows about the day. It is his business as a man to know such thing things. I have been giving hints on my status and in conversation since June. If he doesn’t spoil me, I shall find a man who really loves me,” she said.
Some women said they were not expecting anything.
Kayla Khumalo said, “I have no expectations at all. It’s not something that I take interest in.”
Linda Ncube admitted she was unsure whether her boyfriend even knew about the occasion. “I don’t know if my boyfriend knows about it. But it will be nice if he surprises me.”
Nelly Thanetha believed the celebration should be balanced.
“I feel like people who can afford it can do it and it should be equal. There should also be a day for men as well.”
Despite the diverse views, it is clear that every year the conversation around August 1 continues to grow louder.
If social media is anything to go by, the saxophones will keep playing as long as couples continue searching for new reasons to celebrate each other.
