Because success is guaranteed for those who are determined, entrepreneurs should be armed with the knowledge that they can reach their targeted goals if they hold fast to their dreams, she said, adding “No amount of discouragement can move a determined person from pursuing their goals and seeing their dreams come true.”
Paradoka was formed by Marindire together with Lorraine Mashandure, Esnath Mandebvu, Grace Zvenyika, Thelma Chandafira, Tatenda Madzonga, Cresentia Murwira and Christina Kadauviro to provide a space for female journalists to publish their stories and get the exposure by showcasing their potential.
The team experienced their fair share of the harsh realities of the challenges of setting up an online publication. “It has not been an easy road. We have lost some of the young women with whom we started because they lost hope,” said Marindire.
Thelma Chandafira, 24, said instead of getting support from other women who had made it in the media industry, they were discouraged. “A lot of people including female journalists and magazine owners told us we would never make it because we did not have adequate resources,” she said. “It is true that we did not have any money, but the bottom line is that where there is a will there is a way. We successfully launched the online magazine and started publishing.”
Little did the women know that they would be persecuted left, right and centre by those they thought would mentor them.
Persecuted
They have also been persecuted by men who feel that some of the articles they publish are influencing their wives to be disrespectful.
“Our aim in the establishment of Paradoka online magazine is to equip women with the knowledge on how to exhibit the best that they can as mother, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher and grandmother,” said Chandafira.
Articles published also try to enlighten society on women’s challenges in patriarchal societies. “The magazine addresses gender discrimination including physical and emotional abuse. We aim to promote and celebrate the success of African women especially those from Zimbabwe considering that there is a huge gap in the recognition that is given to these women,” said Chandafira, adding that when empowered, women had the potential to achieve more.
Sacrifice
Marindire said the group had big plans to grow in the industry and set up bigger things such as a television station and a fully-fledged media house “which will change women’s lives”.
The young women financed the establishment of the online magazine themselves. “When you want something to happen, you sacrifice. It should not always be about the money. It should about seeing the change and the impact of your initiative in other people’s lives,” said Chandafira.
Marindire added: “We are not yet there but we have hope that things will change and work out for us, making it possible to make an impact. We believe that doors of opportunity are open for women willing to pay the price and have the courage to work hard even when the tides are low. Success is certain for the resilient.”
Paradoka is a Shona word meaning “when the sun sets”. According to the African tradition, in most rural communities, women from one family gathered by the fire at sun set to cook, share stories and advise each other and their adolescents on the socio, economic and political aspects of their lives.
Post published in: News
encouraging and inspiring.women can do good or even better as long as there is level playing field.lets support each other ladies
Go girls where there is a will there is a way. Don’t look back forge ahead and give the women of Zimbabwe a voice. You are making it and will make it to the ends of the earth. Just believe.