‘Silent whisperers but great motivators of human kind’- Women’s voices in Zimbabwe

The Bible and Gender equality

In biblical text male and female were made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) but some sections of the society feel they is a superior and a subject among the two sexes hence they is a more influential and less influential sex respectively which has been a major debate in the world. In a patriarchal society women are seen as subject to men, interestingly enough some reason upon biblical scripture that posit Eve was  formed off Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21-22) therefore their roles in society differ and as minors in the society women take up ‘lighter duties’  like cooking, sweeping among others. Well, views may differ but considering the ‘socialisation of gender in society’ mentioned by Haralambos and Holborn(2004) alluding that a society is comprised of different sexes which are males and females, thus we are instructed to ensure that everyone plays a major role in communal development without stereotyping or discriminating gender differences. Abbott, Wallace and Tyler (2005) underscores that, ‘women have a unique outlook on the social world, rooted in the ‘special’ nature of their experiences of the body and in particular motherhood hence this article’s centre of attention will be at enlightening Zimbabwean women’s inspiring major leadership roles besides their challenges in a society where most women’s voices are merely silent whispers but great motivation to human kind.

Women leaders in Zimbabwe and social transformation (politics, arts, media and religious institutions)

Zimbabwe is still patriarchal though it is slowly shifting to a liberal system that attracts both sexes to have equal opportunities in politics, social and economic activities. Be that as it may, the researcher feels they is still a void, and to combat this gap society needs to support women in general and pay special attention to those in leadership positions since they have made it because others in their social circles avowed them. Women should now look up to each other in praise and draw inspiration to ensure social transformation and development from legendary icons for example mbuya Nehanda.

Mbuya Nehanda (1863-1898) is a well celebrated female spirit medium in Zimbabwe, whose revolutionary prophecy ‘’mapfupa angu achamuka’’ meaning ‘’my bones will rise again’’ said  before her death in the First Chimurenga (First Liberation War) of 1896, might have triggered a more successful upraising of the second Chimurenga of 1966-1979 in summary of Ranger T(1984)’s view. Moreover, Mutsvairo .S (1982) in his novel Feso notes mbuya Nehanda’s prophecy as a poem that inspired Guerrilla war fighters during this torrid time. Mbuya Nehanda’s voice was more influential during that time and after, since Zimbabwe is so immersed in its traditional and cultural norms consequently respecting and valuing spirit mediums or Nehanda’s voice was non-debatable since the spirit of the ancestors had affirmed her to be an agent of revolutionary change and social transformation. The researcher consider that, Nehanda’s revolutionary prophecy affirmed other women who later fought as equals to men in the guerrilla warfare popularly known as the second Chimurenga that saw Zimbabwe attain its Independence from colonial rule of Ian Smith and his British South Africa company (BSAC). In agreement the historian Mukanya S (1994), points out that the role of women in the Second Chimurenga was one of the reason the war ended successfully in favour of the black majority. However, in present day Zimbabwe, the political field is no longer an obvious testosterone playground as more women of late are fanning for political leadership than before for example Grace Mugabe, Edina Madzongwe, Thokozani Khupe and Priscilla Misihairambwe Mushonga.

More so, above and beyond the Liberation struggle or political setting in Zimbabwe, women have continued to influence the society through the Film and Arts industry. Some of the most popular names include Tsitsi Dangarembga, Busi Khumalo, the late Chiwoniso Maraire and Stella Chiweshe. Bulwer. E. G quotes that, ‘the pen is mightier than then sword’ hence the book Nervous Condition by Tsitsi Dangarembga became a mightier baritone for women by how  the book was ascribed to expose society’s evil of oppressing and abusing women basing on gender discrimination. In the book Nervous Conditions, Tambu the main character suffers different challenges like illiteracy, sexual abuse and gender discrimination posed by the society although through his Father she overcame these challenges and managed to live up to her dreams as an educated women. This book clearly shows a view of women through Dangarembga(1984)’s authorship, drove the society to became a bit liberal so educational rights became equal to males and females and more parents dejected the system of dictating women’s dreams by letting them discover their prowess in boardrooms rather than limiting them in places like the bedroom or kitchen.

In addition, Dangarembga also made an exceptional impact in film through her work on Flame and Yellow Card as they are among a few international movies that Zimbabwe has up to this date. Nonetheless, the octopus influence of women in the arts industry with Busi Khumulo, Chiwoniso Maraire and Stella Chiweshe as singers and utmost as band leaders prior to a previous philosophy that female musicians/artists could only be backing vocalists, dancers or worse women of loose moral standing only. However, the trio ran successful bands in the 80s and 90s with hit songs making wave in Zimbabwean radios and beyond due to the relevance and inspiring message that enriched both national and international listeners. The ChaChimurenga hit makers Stella Chiweshe on her website www.stellachiweshe.com agrees that, ‘she learned when it was forbidden for a women to play the instrument and the colonial regime had banned any cultural activities’. Despite the challenges the female artists encountered their contribution to the arts industry changed the social stereotypical perception thereby through their great work they automatically became Zimbabwean arts industry ambassadors in their various disciplines.

Furthermore, the media as the fourth estate has continued to influence the society in both negative and positive aspects. In Zimbabwe women like the late ambuya Mlambo pioneered positive social programs on radio and television. Ambuya Mlambo became very popular with kids as well as adults through her programs on radio and television which infused moral and cultural values through story telling. The veteran children broadcaster was raised in an orphanage and attained a teaching degree, became a midwife before embarking in her legendary career on radio according to a Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambuya_Mlambo). Unfortunately, in 2008 Ambuya Mlambo passed on at the age of 86 but her inspirational role in upholding the values of Ubuntu in the society will always be eminent.

However, the researcher trusts that the inspirational role played by the late Ambuya Mlambo was another cause of the rise of a very popular talk show host Amai Rebecca Chisamba. Amai Chisamba Show is a platform where pressing social issues are debated on Television and is usually in the media serving social advice. For example the issue of ‘‘BEN10s’’that is, young boys who date older women, old enough to be their mothers or grandmothers for money, fun, sexual trade among other reasons. Her talk show also acts as a window and guide that allows society to view such issues happening in the society and help guide the people to live an honourable way of life through a discursive platform. On the other hand, it’s not only the older women’s voices in the media that are making positive impact to the society youthful voices in Zimbabwe are also motivated. The recent establishment ZiFm stereo opened up a stand for youths to spearhead in social transformation. The new station has a program called the ‘Platform’ according to the station website (http://www.zifmstereo.co.zw/schedule/shows.php) it is ‘for the stories that making news headlines and people in them. Interactive and hard hitting…’ which aims to ‘…ask uncensored questions to the movers and shakers who move and shake our beloved Zimbabwe’. On this hard hitting interactive program, Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa is the passionate host of the Platform on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. In a Newsday article of 20 November 2014 she is described as ‘‘Zim’s radio iron lady’’ (https://www.newsday.co.zw/2014/11/20/ruvheneko-zim-radios-iron-lady ) due to her inquisitive questioning on the ZiFm stereo talk show. She interviews politicians, socialites, economists among other powerful people in the society but she makes sure she shakes and moves them on the Platform.

Be that as it may, Church representing civic society institutions is not spared given that many theological scholars have ascribed on the change of attitude of the society by encouraging women to take up leadership roles. Chitando and Chirongoma (2008) have challenged masculinity in religion and HIV/AIDs ministry. However, women like Eunice Guti have taken centre stage in changing the previous perceptions by the society that women cannot lead in a congregation. ZAOGA is one of the earliest Pentecostal churches and has accepted to break the cultural norm by allowing Eunice Guti to preach for the congregation. Nonetheless, women prophets are also emerging such as prophetess Beverly ‘Bebe’ Angel of the Spirit Embassy Church and through prophecy and engaging in social work have greatly influenced positively the society that was pre-dominated by men.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the inclusion of women’s voices in influential institutions such as politics, arts, media and religion has been a game changer in the society. ‘Strong’ women in leadership roles are said to be broken hearted or threatening to men or both but it’s the inspiration that reflect upon their determination to succeed in their various activities under a stereotypical environment that therefore motivate others be it male or female in a society. As the researcher has been motivated and inspired mostly by women, he feels that woman need to be complimented and affirmed more and more every time to help them realize their goals seeing that most women in this article have made it through support from their families, friends or relatives that kept on telling them they can make it. As an observer, the researcher supposes that’s the reason why women like mirrors so that they get complimented and affirmed by it now and then on their presentation as such confidence and courage is boosted to be themselves the more. Let’s not stopping being women ‘mirrors’, let’s keep on supporting and loving them as fellow equals not as ‘ribs’ or mere subjects as we were created in the same spirit of God for that reason our duty is to transform society positively as equal human beings.

References

 Abbott. P, Wallace. C andTyler. M (2005) An Introduction to Sociology: Feminist Perspectives. London: Routledge.

Bulwer E. G (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/edward_g_bulwerlytton.html ) retrieved 9 March

Chitando, E. and Chirongoma. S (2008) Challenging masculinities: Religious studies, men and HIV in Africa. Journal of Constructive Theology 14

Dangarembga.T. (1988) Nervous Conditions , Harare. ZPH

Haralambos. M and Holborn.M (2004) Sociology: Themes and Perspective, Collins

Mukanya, S. (1994) Dynamics of History Book 3, Harare: College Press

Mutsvairo S.M (1982) Feso, Harare: Longman.

Ranger .O.T (1984) Revolt in Southern Rhodesia 1896-7: A Study in African Resistance

 (http//:www.stellachiweshe.com) retrieved 9 March

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambuya_Mlambo) retrieved 9 March

(http://www.zifmstereo.co.zw/schedule/shows.php) retrieved 9 March

(https://www.newsday.co.zw/2014/11/20/ruvheneko-zim-radios-iron-lady/) retrieved 10 March