Online Reporter
Muchaneta Chimuka
THE Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe on Wednesday launched the Indigenous Women’s Forum as a way of preserving and protecting indigenous languages, cultures and empowering women both rural and urban for economic benefits.
Speaking at the launch in Harare, the coalition’s National Chairperson Cynthia Muchanyara Mukamuri said there are several things that affects women development that includes the aspects of some negative cultural beliefs that makes women to shy away from taking higher position be it in the political arena and other decision making positions yet they can make it if given the required education and support.
“Your participation today signifies a shared resolve to confront the multifaceted barriers faced by the Indigenous Women. Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards advocating for “A Zimbabwe society where women and girls in their diversity fully enjoy their rights”.
“This forum embodies our commitment to creating an inclusive society where every woman, can participate fully and equally,” she said.
Mukamuri regarded the launch of the Indigenous Women’s Forum is a movement, a milestone, and a moment of reclamation.
“This is not simply a gathering; it is a clarion call that indigenous women must be heard not as a footnote to history but as authors of our future.
“From the riverbeds of Mwenezi to the hills of Hwange, from the corners of Beitbridge to the communities of Binga and Lupane today we unite in one powerful purpose,” she added.
Chief Nechombo of Mudzi, who was representing the Chief’s Council and was among the guests, said the forum is a proactive step toward creating a generation of indigenous women leaders who will shape national policy, influence global agendas, and steward their communities with dignity and strength.
“We need communities that embrace them on cultures, norms and beliefs for positive steps that aligns with the development of women and girls. Gone are the days when women were being denied leadership positions.
“We now have several women who hold higher positions as Chiefs, Headman and we need more women to take such roles without hesitation,” he said.
He encouraged people to value their totems saying they resemble some great aspects of their lives.
“Totems plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives for example the Eland ‘Shava totem’ of the ‘Vahera’, they are well known hard workers who thrives to bring wealth t the family. The Zebra “Mbizi totem’ they are known for being smart and trustworthy.
“Our totems guide us in living a harmonious life and that enables us to value and protect our wildlife and natural resources thereby curbing challenges to do with negative consequences that are brought by climate change,” he said.
Women from various cultural groups such as Tonga from Binga, Shangaan, Venda, Ndebele, Karanga, Ndau, Zezuro among others were also present exhibiting mouth-watering indigenous dances, food and languages.
Among them was Esinath Sikalenge from Binga who was continuously smoking a “Tonga Shisha” commonly known as ‘Inchelwa’ in Binga.
