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Elliot Ziwira, At the Bookstore
Fortunate Kufakunesu’s latest book, “Unleashing Her Potential: Guiding a Girl into an Empowered Woman” (2024), is a transformative handbook for the girl child.
This motivational work inspires girls to rise above societal expectations and limitations, embracing their true selves with courage and conviction.
It addresses the pressing issue of potential remaining unlocked in unempowered girls, often due to femininity-imposed inadequacy.
Kufakunesu draws from her experiences, emphasising the need for girls to break free from societal norms and expectations that thwart aspirations.
It is this kind of shell that physically, psychologically and emotionally imprisons girls, leading, in most cases, to them seeking easy access to the top rungs of affluence through marriage to older men of means.
After sacrificing their youths and education for ephemeral materialism, owing largely to lack, they become monster-victims in their quest to outsmart man at his own game.
But will the girl child be able to keep her head above the raging storms that her sex and society train on her?
Kufakunesu emphatically answers the above question in her new work, published by Chances Inc.
The motivational writer, who is married to Pastor Prime Kufakunesu, insists that it is possible for girls to ride above the tide and realise their dreams.
She suggests that if only they understand how, girls can circumvent gender-based restrictions.
The writer is aware of the ways in which society prescribes mores and values that usually burden the individual psyche. Though men are weighed down by cultural and religious expectations, too, they seem to skirt around them and benefit from the loopholes therein.
Women are the ones who bear the brunt of it all as everything appears to be skewed in their disfavour.
Therefore, it is crucial to explore how womenfolk evade the double whammy of lack and ignorance, not through marriage, per se, but via empowerment. In “Unleashing Her Potential”, Kufakunesu offers the right antidote.
The book, which was launched at a dazzling event in Harare recently, is a must-read for the girl child. Refreshingly, it communicates with the inner woman, beseeching her tender heart to take heed, notwithstanding the odds stacked against her.
Kufakunesu confidently takes the reader into her own space, as one such woman who managed to scale heights untold in varied fields, despite her underprivileged background.
The book, which follows the success of her debut work, “A Woman in Pursuit of Purposeful Destiny”, sees Kufakunesu demonstrating her magic with the pen. Wearing her many hats, either as a mother, pastor, certified life coach, mentor, counsellor, teacher or philosopher, she effortlessly implores girls to defy societal inhibitions and claim their spot in previously male dominated spaces.
The author offers a comprehensive guide for young girls seeking empowerment in black and white. She explores vital topics such as self-awareness, resilience-building, and goal-setting, providing actionable advice and insightful guidance.
On the aesthetics of beauty, she insists, “Real beauty is the impact that we make in our physical beauty, and impact is brought about by empowering self.”
She emphasises the essence of confidence and self-esteem in the voyage towards self-empowerment; maintaining that nothing beats acquisition of knowledge, either through formal education, wide-reading or mentorship.
She stresses, “Think of education as a huge castle with countless rooms, each one holding its own secrets and wonders. The more you learn, the more rooms you will unlock, and the richer your life will become.”
Effective communication, particularly speaking, is also highlighted as crucial for assertiveness and self-esteem. As the world grapples with the proliferation of technologically enhanced platforms, and reduced concentration spans, speaking becomes not only an art, but a way of life.
In one way or the other, one has to speak, either on one’s behalf or representing others, which calls for competency and conviction. At funerals, weddings, religious functions, business forums or any other public gatherings, speaking skills are called upon and tested.
Over and above, Kufakunesu underscores the need to “challenge and defy gender stereotypes and biases,” affirming that “capabilities are not defined” by sex.
By embracing the principles she highlights, girls can: discover their passions and interests, overcome obstacles and challenges, develop positive relationships, and cultivate empowering traits.
Written in conversational language, the book is both captivating and thought-provoking, hence it transcends gender and socio-cultural limitations.
Using the butterfly metaphor, illustrated on the cover, Kufakunesu juxtaposes a girl’s transformative journey with metamorphosis, a process that butterflies go through to become the intriguing beauties that grace the skies.
She suggests that even though it may take time and effort for a girl to realise her dreams, background is not an issue. The idea is to push on, no matter the circumstances, for whatever is desired always comes to fruition as long as the Almighty God deposited it.
At the book launch, founder and owner of High Achievers Coach Educational Centre (HAEC), an independent Christian College based in Harare, Dr Tapera Chikandiwa, emphasised the butterfly metaphor, symbolising transformation from confinement to freedom.
“It reminds us that our struggles are not limitations, but catalysts for change,” he said.
He stressed that “Unleashing Her Potential” is not just a book but a movement, calling individuals to break from societal expectations and embrace their authentic selves.
As a motivational writer, Kufakunesu demonstrates her skill and resourcefulness through nuanced exploration of diverse topics and biblical reflection. In her view, empowerment is the recognition and espousal of individual strengths, talents and abilities, and the way they impact on both personal and collective dreams.
She strongly believes that her purpose is to serve girls and women in times of need. Through her noble mission, she has won international awards, including a top gong for the non-profit category at the Women Changing the World Awards 2024.
Overall, “Unleashing Her Potential: Guiding a Girl into an Empowered Woman” (2024), is a powerful tool for empowerment, urging girls to claim their spot in previously male-dominated spaces.
Transcending gender and socio-cultural limitations, the book offers a comprehensive guide for young women seeking empowerment. By embracing the principles highlighted, they will become confident, resilient, and impactful, making a difference in their communities and beyond.
Online Reporter