Have you ever
stopped to think what Zimbabwe would be like if women were allowed similar
opportunities in life as men. How would Zimbabwean politics look if our leaders
were women? What would the state of our economy be if women were in full control of
all of our natural resources?
I’d like to believe
that we’d be better off in Zimbabwe if we empowered women and allowed them to
take charge of the day to day running of our country. Just by looking at my own
family and around me growing up I can proudly proclaim that all or at least most
woman I knew were of a strong and magnificent breed. I was certainly surrounded
by inspirational and courageous women whom I respected and still continue to
admire. The same cannot be said about a lot of their male counterparts.
As I observe the
work and achievements of the likes of Beatrice Mtetwa, Jestina Mukoko, Thokozani Khupe
etal, my admiration only deepens. I marvel at the way they have evolved
within their related struggles and sacrifices and come out as the stalwarts of
truth and justice again solidifying
their claim to be the true leaders of a New Zimbabwe – if there ever will be
one. This
is the real story of the women of Zimbabwe, the mothers of our feverish nation.
With everything
that life throws at them under the guise of tradition and culture they have
always come out as the heroines of our lives. Think of your own
mother/grandmother and the manner in which they handled the worst scenarios
with such composure – I don’t need to give examples as we all know the certain
issues and ‘skeletons in closet’ men brought home. Whatever demeaning and
de-humanising episode was thrown at them, the women in our lives often persevered
with so much heart and character and paved the way for hope and happiness for
all of us.
It’s time we as
men stepped aside and allowed these exceptional and inspirational people to
take a leading role in rebuilding where we have failed. They are the rich
resource we have not utilised and yet have in abundance. Let us acknowledge that
their vision, knowledge and strength are indispensable and their decision
making is more balanced and rational than ours.
Women of Zimbabwe, you are remarkable!
Melusi Sibanda –
ROHRZIM Bradford Branch – Information & Publicity Secretary
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