Chronicle Editor
Shingai Dhlamini, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE, a nation with a rich history, has seen remarkable progress in women’s participation in sports since gaining Independence in 1980.
As Zimbabwe celebrates 44 years of freedom, it’s important to honour the remarkable contributions of women during this period.
Women played a crucial role in the liberation struggle, fighting for freedom and dignity.
Sport mobilises the global community and speaks to youth. It unites people across national barriers and cultural boundaries.
It teaches women and girls the values of teamwork, self-reliance and resilience, it has a multiplier effect on their health, education and leadership development, contributes to self-esteem, builds social connections and challenges harmful gender norms.
The status and role of women in 21st century Zimbabwean society cannot be understood without appreciating their contribution to the liberation struggle.
The development of feminist action groups and their mobilisation before independence became a struggle for equality, participation of marginalised segments of the population in political decision-making processes and the replacement of the Rhodesian colonial administration.
Theresa Maguraushe who is the chairperson of Zimbabwe Women Soccer League (ZWSL), said that a great number of women in sport are now involved in the decision making positions, unlike in the past.
In most of the sporting organisations, women now advocate for equal opportunities, in line with the 2008 Sadc Convention Protocols that advocated for equality in every walk of life.
“Women are now a mouthpiece for gender equality. We have been liberated from the quota system, we will soon get there, it is indeed a long tiresome journey, but we are slowly getting there,” said Maguraushe.
Christine Sengwe one of the Zimbabwean pool players who were in China for the Joy Cup 12th Edition Heyball Masters Championship this year, said more women have taken to sport since Independence.
“Through such initiatives like gender equality, as women in sports we build high confidence and self-esteem and in the process we have also gained leadership skills,” said Sengwe.
James Rugwevera, the Mpopoma High School sports director said Zimbabwe’s attainment of Independence had seen women empowered and in sport they were not left behind.
“In as much as Independence has brought approval for women to partake in sports, there is still a huge gap before we can easily celebrate. In terms of remuneration, women are still getting way less than men in sports and this alone suppresses talent hidden in these girls. Women still have to raise their voices and take a stand to fight for what is rightfully theirs,” said Rugwevera who rose to fame with his Amandlethu Secondary School girls of Lupane, who dominated the middle and long distance scene in the mid 1990s to 2001.
Rosemary Muzvidziwa, the chairperson of ZWSL Eastern Region said that the dawn of Independence brought joy to women, as they now participate freely in sport and have seen their participation rise to any industry.
Sports careers have become another option for women, some of whom have been given full time jobs by mines, uniformed services and private companies.
Zimbabwe’s visibility as a sporting powerhouse has been punctuated by stellar performances by athletes such as Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry, Julia Sakala and Cara Black.
This was not so, before Independence, women were playing netball and track and field events as something inherited from the colonialists and lack of exposure left the fairer sex engaging for recreational purposes.
In summary, Zimbabwean women continue to defy odds, proving that resilience, dedication and support can lead to more achievements in the world of sports.
Bongani Ndlovu