Women urged to be own liberators
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Zvishavane Ngezi constituency MP, Mawite Dumezweni on Saturday
encouraged women to be vigilant if they are to become their own
liberators and pursue their vision and goals.
He was speaking at a feminist male author, Masimba Chakombera’s book
launch where he was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering Hon.
Dumezweni said the book would inspire and help women to fight
discrimination and push for their rights.
“I feel greatly honoured to be invited as the guest of honour at the
launch of Masimba’s first book which its title, I hope has nothing to
do with the just ended Zanu Pf Primary elections”
“When I was invited to attend Masimba’s book titled Victory, I did
not hesitate to attend. The book touches on very topical issues, on
women empowerment, rights and gender issues”
“These are key in development as enshrined in our policy and
millennium development goals signed in Sept 2000. The ability to
articulate such issues from creative work is very important. I hope
it will encourage most authors and women,” he said.
Hon. Dumezweni appreciated the level of bravery used by the author to
tell his story.
“Gender based violence is a pandemic in our country. Victory is an
ordinary story, told in an extraordinary way,” he said.
Arts is a powerful means which Masimba used on his book-Victory to
foster women’s rights.
Fellow authors, poets and musicians collaborated giving different
performances on the importance of reading and highlighting the effects
of sexual, psychological and physical violence, using the native
dialects of shona, Ndebele and English. Each artistic work was aimed
to compliment the launch, raise awareness and question the “culture of
normalcy that surrounds gender-based violance and promote positive
attitudes towards women.
Speaking at the book launch the author Chakombera said the has
reconstructed his lost confidence.
“ This may be just a book to you, but to me it’s the story of my life
and real life experience. It represents redemption, restoration and
suffice to say this book saved my life, literally”
“ I never realised the power of words could heal until I put it on
paper. Writing it was like reconstructing my lost confidence and
regain my power to survive and follow my dreams,” he said.
This author read
the book and realised that Victory enables women
in Zimbabwe to fight discrimination and stand up for their
rights.Indeed it is a powerful tool of inspiration.
Kwedu Classics
Your story our story