BY WINSTONE ANTONIO TODAY the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD), a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 in honour of the cultural, political and socio-economic achievements of women.
In celebrating the day, NewsDay Life & Style caught up with some female creatives, who shared the view that women were game-changers with equal capacity do what their male counterparts can do.
Veteran gospel singer Olivia “Mai Charamba” Charamba said: “We celebrate and respect women in their different capacities and professions.
“Their role in society from the housewives and women selling tomatoes on the streets or working in the fields in rural areas to the women in high offices is most appreciated.
“Women should not look down upon their professions no matter how lowly they are as long as they are morally upright and are able to sustain them and their families.
“Above all I urge women to have a relationship with the Almighty God and be prayerful because they encounter the most challenges in the society that need them to stay strong. Society will disintegrate if they are not strong.”
The Viva Wenera producer Talent “Mai Chidzawo” Chitauro said: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to be part of those women who intend to promote a gender equal world which is free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.
“Being a woman, itself is a superpower and today I am celebrating it together with all the women in the world.
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“I want to encourage women out there to look at challenges in the eye and give them a wink because that is what strong women do.
“As a mother, I am teaching my daughters that there is nothing a man can do that they cannot do better and in heels for that matter. Together as women we can break the bias in our societies and in our workplaces.”
United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean actress, dancer and choreographer Enisia Mashusha said: “Be an inspiration to other women, perhaps as women we can save the future life of girls from struggles and motivate all the girls from nomadic communities to pursue their dreams.
“Obstacles are temporary, but how to overcome them all depends on you. Your strength is within you.”
Gospel songbird Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave said: “I have packaged and released my new extended play (EP) titled Orange the World Project to address gender-based violence as a way to commemorate the day.
“The EP that has three songs Dzoka Kumba, Kushungurudzwa and Depression was prompted by the undeniable fact that women suffer the most due to their vulnerable nature as such it is important to tackle issues affecting them in the women’s month.
“Am calling upon the nation to take the responsibility of creating a safe environment for everyone, especially vulnerable groups including women, men, children, orphans and people living with disability in our communities.”
Neo-Soul songbird, Adiona Maboreke-Chidzonga said: “Being a woman is a superpower, and it is time we treat it as such.
“Still in many cases of domestic violence around, women need to be treated like the superheroes that they are not punching bags for frustrations and misguided anger.
“Love and respect women and you are guaranteed the same in return.”
Afro-fusion musician Ammi Jamanda said: “I am glad we are evolving from a patriarchal season as women are now being involved in all matters.
“Though in our industry we cry foul, we are being less involved at big platforms. We need change and to be involved.
“To all organisations it’s your cue to create gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow.”
Afro-jazz sensation Pah Chihera said: “This day means so much more for me as a woman and especially as a woman in music.
“Specifically, because through my music, I speak for a lot of women and I am a voice that many cannot depict.
“I feel the girl child has a lot they carry within and many times society deprives us from speaking out, however, it is our obligation and role as female artistes to be that voice.
“From a tender age we are taught to be strong and for years we keep and carry that strength. I salute the term woman. Single mothers, divorced, widowed, married and ladies tossing and toiling everyday and being socially treated differently because of their gender.
“I quote Michelle Obama’s words which say: ‘Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined.
“Be hopeful. Be empowered.’ I personally leave this message, be yourself and never feel the need to explain, above all love yourself enough to always yearn and strive to be a better version of you.”
Songbird Selmor Mtukudzi said: “This year I am celebrating all the women who are breadwinners for their families. More and more women are taking up roles which were traditionally thought to only be for men.
“Happy women’s day to all those mothers and sisters who are working hard to better their lives and those of their loved ones.”
Songbird Tariro NeGitare said: “This year as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we have another opportunity to encourage every woman to dream big, to have faith and to believe they can achieve all their heart’s desires.
“If we are still alive then we have purpose, and now more than ever the world needs what has uniquely been placed in every woman. Now is the time to rise.”
In her statement for International Women’s Day, UN Women executive director Sima Bahous said: “Let us make this International Women’s Day a moment to recall that we have the answers not just for SDG 5 but, through the advancement of gender equality, for all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030.”
“I look forward to working with every one of you to that end.”
- Follow Winstone on Twitter @widzoanto
