dyton mupawaenda
Trust Khosa
BORROWDALE Race Course in Harare is set to be the premier venue this Sunday as five incredible divas, led by Tariro Chaniwa, come together for this year’s International Women’s Day commemorations.
This year’s celebrations will take place under the theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment.”
A series of activities will take centre stage countrywide to celebrate women who are making a difference locally.
In Harare, all the attention will be at Borrowdale Race Course, hosting Zimbabwe’s beautiful voices in Jazz.
Better known as Tariro Negitare, the affable and versatile songbird will share the stage with Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Hope Masike, Duduzile Manhenga, and Bulawayo-bred songbird Thandi Dhlana.
Powered by Proweb, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event aims to honour women making a difference in society.
It also serves as a game-changer, recognising women who are making strides in various sectors, including fashion, music and business.
In an interview, Tariro, who is no stranger to women empowerment programmes, told The Herald Arts that it was all systems go.
“Preparations for the event are well on course, and we are looking forward to a memorable and fun-filled day at Borrowdale Race Course.
“This is more than an event since we are celebrating women who are making a difference in society. We also want to promote women in business by ensuring that they create synergies and boost their networks,” she said.
Tariro was upbeat that the event will go a long way in empowering locals.
“It’s a special day; we are also going to be celebrating Proweb’s 20th anniversary since we are going to promote women.
“As female artistes in jazz, we have made sure that we come up with a strong line-up that will make the day enjoyable from start to finish. We are starting after midday and ending at 5:30 pm. It’s a day open for families as we celebrate women for the roles they are playing in society,” she said.
Judging by the line-up, fun is guaranteed on Sunday, with the likes of Masike set to give fans value for their money.
Masike, who has been promoting the rights of women, is better known for her well-choreographed acts, which have made her a favourite of many.
Manhenga, who needs no introduction, has been in the game for more than two decades, jamming with some of the popular jazz outfits in the country.
She has participated in prestigious jazz festivals both locally and beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Katomeni-Mbofana is undoubtedly one of the most seasoned jazz artistes to grace the land.
Among the quintet, she is the most experienced star, and her inclusion in the line-up is good news for revellers.
She is tipped to enthral jazz lovers with her beautiful compositions.
A role model to youngsters, Katomeni-Mbofana, who is also a music teacher, will be out to show the world how it is done.
It will be a day to remember as women gather to celebrate their day.
March has been dubbed Women’s Month, and several festivities have been lined up to honour women worldwide.
The month is also special for activists who are set to honour women making a difference globally. It is also the same month that women’s issues should be tabled and dealt with decisively.
Gender-based violence, exploitation, and sexual abuse are some of the topical issues haunting defence-less women.
As such, global leaders and women’s rights defenders prioritise International Women’s Day as an occasion to take stock of issues affecting them.
Locally, the day is critical in addressing issues affecting women.
Empowerment of women is usually the main thrust when these issues are tabled to ensure that the world becomes a better place to live for women.
Women should not be left behind in developmental issues, as they play a critical role.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter