INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated on March 8 and I have been engaged in ong-oing discussions with a nascent scholar, Dr Sindiso Zhou on this important occasion.
We have heard so much about IWD as if it is an externally driven process which as Zimbabweans we do not have much to reflect on.
From our reflections, it is quite clear there is so much we need to celebrate from the African continent and from Zimbabwe itself.
So as we celebrate the progress that has been made in the empowerment of women the world-over, it is important for us to reflect on the value that our own Zimbabwean women have within the African cultural paradigm.
The status of women varies by country and region, therefore we should be in a position to appreciate the positives in our culture with regard to the value and worth of women in Zimbabwe.
Our idioms and proverbs are full of statements that reflect the value of women in the family and community.
For instance, the idiom musha mukadzi (a solid home is the result of a strong woman) which is close to the common Western adage that behind every successful man is a woman, reflects the value of mai/wamai/omama in Zimbabwean society.
It is also said intandane enhle ngelonina (a blessed orphan is one with a mother), umntwana ongakhaliyo ufela embelekweni (a child that does not cry will die on its mother’s back) women are traditionally valued for their contribution in child rearing, building a solid foundation in marriage, as well as in ensuring the sustenance of that marriage.
Traditions such as the payment of mombe yeumai, and mafukidza dumbu during some lobola/roora negotiations are an indication of the recognition of women in the parenting process.
Our sisters always mediated when we have problems with our daughters.
Any reasonable man will take heed of the advice of his sisters.
Samanyika will always say mhamba ingonaka ngewamai (you can only enjoy drink when there are women around).
While this is said in humour, it just reflects the importance of women in our communities.
We are not claiming all was perfect in our cultures, but we will insist, we have always respected our women, be they mothers, wives, sisters or daughters.
They have always been special in our lives.
We admit, a lot of work needs to be done to raise the status and profile of women in Zimbabwe and elsewhere, but it is crucial to reflect and cultivate some of the positive practices that form the backbone of femininity, womanhood and motherhood in the African cultural paradigm.
We challenge women to speak for themselves and celebrate their important role in our society.
This is crucial because women are key to Zimbabwe’s future.
They are also key to Africa’s future!