dyton mupawaenda
Trust Khosa-Lifestyle Writer
The ongoing struggle for gender equality highlights the importance of collective action needed to create a more equitable world.
The debate surrounding the violation of women’s rights, which undermines their dignity and well-being, has persisted for years, with activists tirelessly seeking answers.
Through numerous campaigns, it has become evident that women can make a significant impact when given equal opportunities alongside their male counterparts.
Recognising this, the United Nations has designated March 8 as a day to address women’s issues and rights, known as International Women’s Day (IWD).
IWD has its origins in the early 20th century when Vladimir Lenin declared March 8 as a day to honour women’s contributions to the 1917 Russian Revolution.
Initially celebrated by socialist movements and communist countries, IWD gained global recognition when the United Nations promoted it as an official holiday in 1977
Today, this day is marked by various festivities worldwide.
Research shows that IWD is not merely a celebration; it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equality.
By recognising the contributions of women and advocating for their rights, stakeholders can collaboratively strive to create a better world for everyone.
As we celebrate IWD today, it is critical to note some significant aspects of observing this day, especially the celebration of women’s milestones.
Women are making a significant impact in various fields, including social, economic, cultural, scientific, sporting and medical areas.
Locally, we have women who are shining and changing people’s lives from various sectors.
One such influencer who shared her thoughts on the IWD is Buhlebenkosi Ostlea Nyathi.
She is the founder and CEO of Competitive Brand Shapers (CBS) and president of the Organisation for Women in International Trade (OWIT) for the Zimbabwe chapter.
“IWD is a moment to celebrate, recognise, and honour the precious and rare gem species in its evolution from girl to woman; to remember her worth, her value, her virtue, her resilience, and her uniqueness. It is time to minister to her feminity, refill her love tank, and reboot her through laughter, listening to her heart, her mind and affirming her.
“In my role as the president of the Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT-Zimbabwe chapter), my presidium and I have championed an open market and exhibition day where we brought together 300 female-led and owned enterprises of every size and age to empower and inspire them as they showcased their businesses and sold their products. These 300 represent our heart, love and faith in every Zimbabwean woman this special month,” she explained.
Through CBS, Nyathi believes God is using her to change people’s lives.
She also urged women to be diligent and persevere in their quest for wealth creation as they mark IWD. “Patience, honesty, love and faith, added to diligence and perseverance, are pillars that will turn the mountains of life’s vicissitudes into valleys. Last but not least, I have learned that victory lies in embracing your femininity, and everything you do is only powerful when you preserve your female nature. Behind every successful woman is humility and divine sensitivity,” she emphasised.
Versatile actress Ratidzo Tava, who has starred in several local theatrical productions, films and sitcoms, values the IWD for its significance. “International Women’s Day reminds me of the incredible progress we have made towards achieving gender equality, but also of the immense work that still lies ahead. As a woman fortunate enough to have a platform and someone passionate about philanthropy, I believe it is my responsibility to use my voice to amplify the voices of those who have been marginalised and excluded,” she stated.
“IWD is a day to celebrate women’s resilience, determination, and strength, which have made women not just caregivers but also breadwinners, entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers. It is a call to action to challenge the systemic barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential.”
A well-known philanthropist, Tava, whose heart bleeds for the less privileged, said she will celebrate this day in a unique way.
“This year, I am commemorating this day by giving out hampers to five mothers with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. I wish to do something extraordinary, but I do not have much in my pocket. However, I believe that little will at least put a smile on some mother’s face.”
In sports, Mighty Warriors assistant coach and fitness trainer Primrose Serima is looking forward to the day with high hopes.
“As a soccer coach and fitness trainer, International Women’s Day is a reminder of the importance of recognising and empowering women in sports and fitness. It celebrates the achievements of female athletes, coaches, and trainers while highlighting the ongoing need for gender equality and opportunity in these fields. It motivates me to create an inclusive and supportive environment where women feel encouraged to reach their full potential, whether that’s on the field or in the gym. It is a day to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to continue advocating for equal access, representation, and respect for women in all aspects of sport and fitness,” she explained.
The most sought-after fitness coach told The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle that she will celebrate the day uniquely.
“For International Women’s Day, I plan to engage with the local community in a way that honours both the achievements and challenges of women in sports and fitness. Here’s how I am planning to approach it: I would love to organise a women’s fitness event or clinic, where I would host a soccer clinic or fitness session specifically for women and girls, giving them a platform to develop their skills, build confidence and celebrate their love for the game or fitness.
“I will celebrate women in sports, acknowledging and honouring prominent Zimbabwean female athletes, coaches, or figures who have made an impact on the national or international stage, drawing attention to their contributions. Celebrating in this way would be both a celebration of progress and a call to continue pushing for more opportunities for women in sports and fitness in Zimbabwe and beyond,” she outlined her programme.
She also shared some of her achievements, which she will cherish for years.
These include being called up to the national team and being appointed first assistant coach for the Mighty Warriors team during the Cosafa tournament. She was also appointed fitness trainer for the Mighty Warriors during the 2025 AWCON qualifiers. One of her honours includes her appointment as coach of the tournament for the Jadel Football Academy invitational tournament in 2025.
She also won the Coach of the Tournament at the Ten Toes tournament in 2023.
Television personality, content creator and veteran actress Patience Musafare, better known as Mai Jilimba, values this special day.
“It is a special day for all the women out there to know their value and worth in society. In my case, I have done everything you may think of as a national treasure when it comes to entertaining the people of this nation as Mama Azuka Zimbabwe or Mai Jilimba. I deserve to be spoiled on this day because it belongs to legends like us,” she narrated.
The seasoned actor, with 40 years of dominating the small screen, Mai Jilimba, urges women to work hard. “I urge women to work hard and ensure that they leave a mark in whatever they are doing for survival. A modern-day woman should work hard and fend for her family without relying on men. I condemn women who still go to the pub to sell their bodies in exchange for money. We don’t want to promote laziness,” lamented Mai Jilimba.
When asked how she was going to spend the day, she explained: “I have not planned anything. In fact, I should be the one asking you about that because I am a living legend. All the people in Zimbabwe know my impact, and it’s up to them to play their part without being reminded of what I did for them.”
Not to be outdone is Thembelihle Mloyi-Ncube, the managing director of Bonvie Medical Aid. “International Women’s Day, to me, means celebrating women’s achievements, no matter what level in society they are. It is all about recognising and encouraging one another and challenging each other to reach those platforms that we desire. However, at times we are fearful, and we don’t have cheerleaders who tell us to keep going until we attain our goals, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
“As for my company, Bonvie Medical Aid Scheme, we will have an event, not this Saturday, but soon, to celebrate our women and the members of Bonvie Medical Aid Scheme, just to love them. When we do these kinds of functions, we talk to women and encourage them to do their wellness checks. We encourage them to love themselves, to take care of themselves, and to do their wellness checks,” she stressed.
Mloyi-Ncube continued: “We normally involve a holistic kind of programme where we do not take care of women in just one aspect, health-wise, but we also talk about mental health, psychological support, social support, physical wellness, and financial wellness. We address wellness in all aspects at Bonvie Medical Aid because we really leverage two pillars: prevention and wellness. We strengthen these by bringing women together and having the best authentic speakers who come and talk about various subjects that affect women. So, I look forward to what Bonvie Medical Aid is going to bring to its members this year. It’s coming soon.”
Joining the long list of inspirational women is life coach, musician, and community builder, Tariro Chaniwa, better known as Tariro Negitare.
She shared her understanding of the IWD: “International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world. It is a day to celebrate our progress, acknowledge the challenges we still face, and inspire each other to continue advocating for equality and justice. For me, it is also an opportunity to connect with other women in the arts and share our stories, emphasising the importance of female voices in music and beyond.”
She also revealed her plans for this year’s edition. “This year, I plan to celebrate International Women’s Day by participating in the British Council’s Creative Economy Week. It is a space for enablement, where we can share our experiences and celebrate our journeys together. We are also launching the PROWEB Creative Economy Desk, where women in business will engage with women in the arts.”
Regarding her notable achievements, she explained: “As a musician, I am proud of my journey in promoting African music and culture through my songs. Some of my notable achievements include releasing four albums that resonate with many and collaborating with other talented upcoming artists through acoustic nights. Additionally, I have been involved in community outreach programmes that empower young girls through music, which is incredibly fulfilling.”
It will also be myopic not to include Zimbabwe’s first female cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Kudzai Kanyepi, whose contributions deserve special recognition on this momentous occasion.
Dr Kanyepi, who made history as the country’s first female cardiothoracic surgeon and the twelfth to qualify in Africa, is worth mentioning and is likely to go in the annals of medical history.
What makes her feat noteworthy is that Zimbabwe has only five cardiothoracic surgeons, four of whom are men.
She first made her breakthrough as a heart and lung surgeon and was part of a group of surgeons who successfully performed open-heart surgery on 12 patients at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
“Not only do I mend broken hearts physically as a cardiothoracic surgeon, repairing congenital defects and performing surgery on the lungs and the oesophagus, but I also like to think I mend emotional hearts.”
After enrolling at the University of Zimbabwe to study medicine, she realised her passion for surgery. “I knew I wanted to be a surgeon once I enrolled to study medicine. As I progressed in my studies, I became increasingly drawn to the complexities of cardiothoracic surgery. It’s a field where you can change lives, offering patients a second chance,” she recounted.
From several interviews we conducted, IWD serves as a reminder of the progress made in advancing women’s rights and gender equality. It has also been hailed for promoting awareness and advocacy against issues affecting women. The day raises awareness about the ongoing struggles women face globally, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality in various sectors. It encourages advocacy for women’s rights and inspires action to address these issues.
Moreover, IWD is a call to empower women and girls, promoting their participation in decision-making processes and leadership roles. Empowered women are crucial for sustainable development and societal progress. It also promotes solidarity and support for women’s issues.
The day fosters a sense of solidarity among women and allies, highlighting the importance of collective action in overcoming barriers and advocating for change. This unity can lead to stronger movements for equality. By celebrating women’s achievements and addressing ongoing challenges, International Women’s Day inspires future generations to continue the fight for gender equality and create a more just society.
Precisely, the day emphasises the global nature of women’s rights issues, encouraging collaboration and support across borders.
It highlights the need for international cooperation in addressing challenges faced by women worldwide, which Zimbabwe has embraced with distinction
Online Reporter