Online Reporter
Belindah Chikandiwa
Zimpapers’ “Ladies on Wheels” motoring festival held in Harare yesterday made significant strides in empowering female motorists, transforming them from mere drivers into knowledgeable vehicle owners.
The initiative responded to a growing “hunger for learning” about basic car maintenance aimed at protecting women from exploitation by dishonest mechanics.
The festival saw Zimpapers’ The Sunday Mail and AMTEC Motors partnering to focus on equipping female motorists with essential skills for vehicle care and troubleshooting.
The event reflects a broader global movement aimed at empowering women in various sectors, breaking down barriers that have historically limited their roles, particularly in male-dominated fields.
Zimpapers (1980) Limited business manager for events Mr Micah Zinduru said feedback from delegates at the festival was overwhelmingly positive.
“The festival was a huge success. As you can see, Zimpapers identified a need and the need was to instill confidence in drivers when it comes to handling basics on their vehicles,” he said.
“These ladies who attended today were taken by experts through the processes and you will never see them get stuck on the road because they cannot fix basic faults on their vehicles.
“It was a fun-filled day, with everyone mastering the techniques. From here, they will not just drive their cars; they will understand them — from engine checks, jump-starting to tyre changing, and all other basics.
“We have noticed that there is a hunger for learning out there and everyone must check out for the next festival.
“The experts helped with explaining a lot of things the drivers didn’t know, but need to know as motorists.”
AMTEC Motors workshop manager Mr Paul Machingura reiterated the importance of education in the motoring sector.
“We are here to educate ladies on how to do basic maintenance on their vehicles. Most don’t even know what to do when problems arise,” he explained, underlining the need for female motorists to be informed and proactive in addressing vehicle issues.
Further enriching the event, Mr Tawanda Gwangwara from Classic Motors, expressed his company’s commitment to providing practical solutions for motorists.
“We want to complement efforts to educate women about cars, especially checking oil, changing wheels and jump-starting,” he said.
Mr Gwangwara discussed crucial vehicle requirements, such as having fire extinguishers and warning triangles, which are essential for safety on the road.
A salesperson from Cardence Investments, Ms Kudzai Chifodya, praised Zimpapers for the educational efforts.
“I am very happy that we have the opportunity to learn more about vehicle maintenance and the morning check-up routines,” she said. “As a woman, I am eager to gain knowledge beyond just changing batteries.”
Miss Bridget Moyo, who attended the event, said she had gained a lot of new knowledge.
“I used to be lied to about needing large sums for small problems. I am grateful for the knowledge I gained today,” she stated, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in protecting consumers.
Another delegate, Ms Tinashe Kubwando, expressed her appreciation for the event’s educational focus.
“I came to learn more about basic car features and how to handle problems, and I got just that and more,” she said.
Overall, “Ladies on Wheels” is not just a festival, but it’s a transformative movement that equips women with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the automotive world, fostering a spirit of empowerment that can extend far beyond the roads.
As more women gain expertise in vehicle maintenance, they are better positioned to make informed decisions, ensuring their safety and contributing to a broader narrative of empowerment and equality.
