HARARE - Women must not stand up against aggression only during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, but should protest against it every day of their lives, a renowned Zimbabwean poet, Xapa, declared in her poem at the annual Ndichirimupenyu Awards, last week.
The Ndichirimupenyu Awards is a Women Filmmakers Of Zimbabwe (WFOZ) initiative to recognize the achievements of women in various fields, with particular emphasis on uplifting the lives of other women. The awards are aimed at energizing the commitment of men and women to engage beyond the pursuit of mere personal gain.
Gender activist, Eddington Mhonda, the founder and coordinator of the Federation of Africa Media Women in Zimbabwe, won the award for the best male against gender based violence. The awards also honoured successful women in sports and arts through long-distance runner, Samukeliso Moyo and playwright Susan Haines, respectively.
69-year-old Nellie Dhlembeu was recognised as a valuable national social contributor who has helped less privileged children in Bulawayo, while Divine Ndhlukula scooped the business award. WFOZ Chief Executive Officer, Tsitsi Dangarembga, realises the need to appreciate the various good works done by women while they still live.
It is important that we award and recognise the various works done by women while they are still with us and not only when they die. Violence against women must be eradicated and be replaced by empowerment of women, said Dangarembga. The awards reach out to women from all walks of life who are alive, and conquering the world around them positively and effectively as builders of homes, communities, society and the nation.
The objective of the awards is to counter societal discrimination against women, which tends to commend and applaud the contributions of men to development at the expense of women’s equally important involvement. This year, WFOZ joined hands with the United Nations Fund for Women Gender Forum in acknowledging the people inspiring the eradication of violence as a way to mark this years 16 Days of activism against gender based violence.
Post published in: News