By Wezhira Munya
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) celebrated International Women’s Day on March 9, 2024, at the Masvingo ZCTU hall, marking a momentous occasion for women in the region.
This event drew an overwhelming response, with the ZCTU Hall filled to capacity and women spilling out into the surrounding areas. It was one of the most well-attended and well-organized ZCTU Women’s Day commemorations to date, according to Mrs. Vembo.
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The theme of this year’s ZCTU Women’s Day celebration was “Empower Women and Girls for Economic Success: The Key to a Stronger Future.” Ms. Chisirimunhu, a fearless advocate for workers’ rights, served as the director of ceremonies and emphasized the importance of granting women and girls equal access to all aspects of life. Ms. Chisirimunhu herself had been arrested and spent several months in Mutimurefu Prison in Masvingo for participating in a demonstration demanding better salaries. During the protest, she held a placard that read, “We demand free menstrual pads for women and girls in Zimbabwe.” With the legal representation of advocate Martin Mureri, she was later found not guilty.
Eloquent Clara Vera, a champion of workers’ rights and a member of the national women’s council, served as the guest of honor. She read the national speech delivered by ZCTU President Florence Mucha Taruvinga. In her address, President Taruvinga urged the government and all stakeholders to promote women’s inclusion in leadership positions across politics, education, the economy, and social spheres. She also advocated for the provision of free menstrual pads, similar to the provision of free condoms, as well as free primary education, affordable secondary and tertiary education, good working conditions, and fair salaries in United States dollars.
Mr. Dominic Manyangadze, the President and General Council member of ZimRatu, added his voice to the commemoration of International Women’s Day. He highlighted the importance of economic empowerment for women and girls to achieve independence, emphasizing that an economically empowered woman can take care of her family and contribute to building a prosperous country. Mr. Manyangadze called for an end to the exploitation of women and girls in Zimbabwean society.
Advocate Martin Mureri, a former trade unionist, human rights lawyer, and the Member of Parliament for Masvingo urban, shared the rights of women as enshrined in the Supreme Law of Zimbabwe, specifically in Section 80 of the constitution. He emphasized that women have the right to equal dignity, equal opportunities in political, economic, and social activities, as well as equal rights with men regarding the custody and guardianship of children, among other rights. Section 65 of the constitution also states that women have labor rights, including the right to a fair and reasonable wage.
Senator Maggie Chakabuda, a businesswoman and the wife of the Masvingo City Mayor, addressed the enthusiastic crowd, encouraging women and girls to become well-organized managers, nutritionists, businesswomen, and influential figures in every field. She urged women to work hard and strive for success.
Again, Honorable Matara, a former teacher and now a Proportional Representative Parliamentarian for Masvingo Province, pledged to continue advocating for the fulfillment of women’s rights. She emphasized the importance of women supporting each other in politics, business, and other areas.
Representing the Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe, Ward 4 Women Quota Councillor Ester Zishiri expressed the Masvingo City Council’s support for women and girls in Masvingo, acknowledging their significance as key stakeholders in the city. Mayor Tabe and Deputy Mayor Daniel Mberikunashe were unable to attend the event due to other commitments but sent their representatives to convey their apologies.
On the other hand, Councillor Alaika Time, the Women Quota Councillor for Ward 6 in Masvingo City, emphasized that women and girls play a vital role in advancing the development of the nation. She vowed to effectively represent women and girls in the council.
Former trade unionist and current Masvingo City Ward 6 Councillor, Mr. Wilstaf Sitemere, congratulated the Masvingo women on their International Women’s Day commemoration and encouraged them to continue fighting for their rights.
Furthermore, Duduzile Ngenyama, an official from NASSA, educated women about the compensation workers’ scheme and its advantages.
Mrs. Musekiwa Sungano Zvarebwanashe motivated women to seize all opportunities in order to live better lives.
More so, Former Ward 1 Councillor, Mrs. Serina Maridza, who was the first female opposition member to become an “Alderman” in Masvingo City, addressed the meeting and urged the government to replace the term “Alderman” with a word that is more inclusive and representative of women.
The eventwas attended by numerous dignitaries, including ZCTU hardworking Mr Meso, Masvingo City Ward 1 Councillor Sabina Chikwangwani, Ward 7 Councillor Mr. Tafara Masimba, MURRA Board Chairperson Mr. Thomas Mbetu, representatives from ZimRights, ARTUZ, ZCIEA, the National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe, Space for Marginalized Groups in Diversity in Zimbabwe Trust, WCOZ, ZACPRO, Pro-Chamisa members, and supporters, among others.
Mr. Struggle Desire Nyahunda, a pro-Chamisa advocate, highlighted the strong presence of President Nelson Chamisa’s supporters at the Women’s Day event. He emphasized that President Chamisa is a pro-worker leader who supports women’s inclusion in all spheres.
In addition, the Darerimwe Great Zimbabwe University Tradition Staff Dance Group entertained the crowd with their exceptional performance, adding a touch of vibrancy and celebration to the event.
The Masvingo ZCTU Women’s Day celebration served as a powerful platform to advocate for women’s rights, economic empowerment, and gender equality. The event showcased the determination and unity of women in Masvingo as they strive for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
Later ZCTU women donated groceries including boxes of cooking oil, sugar, mealie meal among others to Alpha Cottages were orphan and disadvantaged children reside.
