By Takemore Mazuruse
Masvingo-born socialite and women’s rights activist Alice Tagwira is no ordinary woman. She is so given to the fight for women’s rights that some have labelled her a radical feminist, but the soft-spoken beauty believes she is on a mission to eradicate social and gender-related injustices.
The Zheera Trust founder, who recently set social media ablaze with some sizzling hot pictures of herself, believes women must be celebrated for who they are and that just like their male counterparts, they deserve a shot at the good life.
“I am no radical feminist. I am a firm believer in equality and gender justice,” Tagwira told Standard Style last week.
“My fight for women’s rights is not to say I have anything against men I am just pushing for an ideal society where all people are accorded the same rights and privileges despite their sex.”
The gender activist, who hosts a reality chat on Facebook has tackled various topics aimed at unravelling gender injustices in the community.
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She said men have a role to play in fighting for a gender just society.
“I am host to an online TV show titled Reality Chat with Alice Tagwira and I have used this platform to tackle various issues affecting women,” said Tagwira.
“My argument has always been that men should be seen as allies and agents for positive change in the fight for gender justice and equality.
“I am happy that organisations like Padare/Ekundleni Men’s Forum on Gender have deliberately designed male championed programmes aimed at fostering gender justice.”
With her Zheera Trust, Tagwira is advocating against stigma, child marriages and gender-based violence while encouraging women to report abuse and seek help.
“Our thrust with Zheera Trust is to help women to understand political structures and how they can be decision makers alongside men,” she said.
“We want to eradicate gender related stigma and present women as equal players in the community.
“We are also championing self-sustenance trainings to young girls to curb poverty which will lead to child marriages.
“We want communities to be educated and empowered through outreaches to understand why sexual violence and harassment are always wrong whatever the circumstances.”
Zheera Trust is also putting efforts to increase women’s political participation and influence in the context of peace, conflicts and other humanitarian crisis.
“We want women to take up the challenge and we are also empowering them with economic empowerment that enhances their bargaining power and ability to leave abusive relationships,” said Tagwira.
“This includes strengthening women’s entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, access to land and property rights as well as awareness on transformation of norms and behaviour that underpin GBV.”
Plans are afoot to officially launch Zheera Trust on July 17, but unfortunately the government announced that there will be no more gatherings till further notice. The fun-loving and easy-going Tagwira said they will continue finding ways to celebrate and promote women’s rights including through her flagship publication, She Glows Magazine.
“The magazine covers stories about women across Africa,” she said.
“The goal is to encourage, give hope and to empower women with information as we strive for a new Africa of empowered women and we will use it as one of our communication tools in view of the lockdown situation,” said Tagwira.
Of her love for fashion, Tagwira said looking good attracts the best life has to offer.
“I believe when you look good, you attract good things too. Even money is attracted to those that look like it. The goal is to have a closet with clothes that amplify your confidence,” she said.