I was born 32 years ago in Harare. I went to Houghton Park Primary
School and proceeded to Lord Malvern High School for my secondary education. I went on to get a few qualifications after my high
school education, including a Secretarial Diploma and a
Hospitality Management Diploma. Funnily enough, I have never
worked as either a secretary or in the hospitality industry. Instead
I am pursuing my passion, Psychology.
How did your family background shape your career path?
I grew up in a very close family, which was centered
around my grandmother who raised me for most of my childhood. She
actually raised most of her grandchildren. Looking back now my grandmother’s house was a happy place and I
have a lot of fond memories. The unity we had as a family made me the person I am
today.
How did you come up
with Pahushamwari Trust Fund?
Pahushamwari Trust Fund came out of an all women group called
Pahushamwari Hwedu, which I started on Facebook two years ago and
currently has over 10,500 members. It has proved useful in providing
a network of support and friendship for Zimbabwean women from all
walks of life.
It was through this group that I met some
amazing women namely Bertha Muzondo, Linda Chigwinyiso, Rutendo
M’tandari, Pauline Machache, Nixx Goba Chalenga, Jenniffer Nyamtowo,
Roseveld Nyangomo and our mentor, Shirley Micheal, who is the
founder of Positive Youth Programmes Charity.
It has been an amazing and enlightening
journey, and I have seen my dream turn into reality. A lot of credit also goes to
the women of Pahushamwari Hwedu and the great sense of community we
have in the group. Together we are all making a difference and I am
really proud of that.
What motivated you to start such a group?
I
founded Pahushamwari Hwedu and that led to the
formation of the Pahushamwari Trust Fund. The Trust funds itself. We have raised
money to pay medical bills for beneficiaries as well school fees and basic supplies for orphans in Harare.
What does the future hold for PTF?
The sky is the limit. We are looking at nationalising the
Pahushamwari Trust fund. We need every Zimbabwean to be part of it and
benefit from it. We want to be the top organisation when it comes to
helping women and children. Living in the UK, where I have been based
for the past 12 years, helped me meet with various women from across
Africa.
I see Pahushamwari Hwedu Group as a meeting place
where all these different Zimbabwean women can make friends and inspire and help each other. I have
certainly made some amazing friends through the group. What I admire
the most from my observations is just how determined these women are.
I see a lot of women starting their own businesses and we are working hard to make them a success.
Is Zimbabwe ready to be ruled by a woman?
At the present moment I do not see that happening.
Zimbabwean politics is predominantly a man’s world with little room
for women and I think that needs to change. We have to get more
women involved then maybe one of them will rise up and become
president. It’s still a long way off but I believe that it will
happen.
Do you have any advice for young women?
Education, education, education. As you grow up to be whatever you want to be, you will
realise that a lot of life’s metaphoric doors are opened with the key of education. I am 32-years-old and still studying because I know what I want
to be and what it takes to be a successful woman. I think it’s
important to have a very strong educational background.
Post published in: News