International Women’s Day: Honoring the Spirit of African Womanhood

Today, as we commemorate International Women’s Day, let us pause and celebrate the African women who have carried the weight of nations and kindled the fire of progress. From the bustling marketplaces of Mbare Musika in Harare to the sunlit villages of Lagos, from the corporate boardrooms in Nairobi to the grassroots communities of Kinshasa, African women embody strength, resilience, and hope.

The Pillars of Our Communities

For centuries, African women have been the silent architects of our communities. They are the mothers who nurture dreams, the daughters who challenge traditions, the farmers who cultivate life, and the entrepreneurs who shape our economies. Whether tending fields under the scorching sun or negotiating deals in the glint of city lights, they are the pulse of our progress in Africa. Their hands weave baskets, build businesses, and raise future leaders.

This is not just a day to honor those who have already paved the way but also a day to shine a light on every girl who dreams beyond her circumstances, whose feet dance with hope despite the heavy chains of expectation.

African Women: The Voices of Change

The story of Africa’s development is incomplete without its women – a story intricately woven with determination, resilience, and boundless innovation. It is the story of women shattering glass ceilings, redefining possibilities, and inspiring countless girls to dream beyond limitations.

It is the story of Carmen Marshall, a visionary diagnostic optometrist and founder of Eye Studio, paving the way for accessible eye care. It is Connie Mutunhu-Tsoka, a seasoned tax advisory professional and Managing Director of CMA Consulting Services, balancing precision with leadership. It is Sitheni Nleya, a journalist embodying integrity, ethics, and unwavering commitment to the truth. It is Tariro Mango, a seasoned business analyst and founder of Her Confidence Organization, uplifting and empowering women to embrace their potential. It is Katherine King, a celebrated dance aficionado and owner of Dance With Katherine King, whose passion for movement inspires self-expression. It is Nozipo Ndlovu, a quantity surveyor breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, Rebecca Khumalo, a philanthropist and nurturing pillar of her community – mother to not just her own children but to so many others.

Carmen Marshall is a dedicated diagnostic optometrist and the founder of Eye Studio, where she provides expert primary eye care. Her impressive academic background includes a Master’s degree in Health Leadership and Management, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Optometry. For Carmen, the field of optometry is the perfect blend of her passion for science and her desire to help others.

She takes pride in building strong relationships with her patients, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported throughout their care. Understanding that each patient is unique, Carmen offers a variety of tailored solutions to address their individual concerns.

Outside of her professional life, Carmen enjoys spending time outdoors. You can often find her hiking the scenic trails around Harare, sharing these adventures with her son. Her dedication to both her profession and her personal life showcases her commitment to excellence and balance.

Connie Mutunhu-Tsoka is a distinguished tax advisory professional and a devoted Christian of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Her impressive career journey includes serving as a partner at Ernst & Young before establishing her own tax consultancy firm. Currently, she brings her expertise to the Fiscal Court of Zimbabwe as a specialist assessor, skillfully navigating complex tax matters.

In addition to her professional achievements, Connie is deeply committed to community service. She was a founding member of Childline Zimbabwe, a charity established by Soroptimists, and became the first-ever President of Soroptimist International in Africa. She now leads impactful initiatives as Chairperson of the African Soroptimists’ project on the Eradication of Cervical Cancer in Africa, advocating for greater awareness and improved access to healthcare services.

Connie’s life is a powerful testament to leadership, faith, and service. Her unwavering dedication to her profession and community exemplifies her determination to leave a lasting, positive impact on both her nation and the broader African continent.

Nozipho Ndlovu is a highly skilled quantity surveyor who has dedicated her career to the construction and civil engineering industries. Currently working in routine road maintenance with InstaToll Zimbabwe, Nozipho plays a vital role in managing budgets, tracking project costs, and overseeing subcontracted works. Her expertise is grounded in more than seven years of experience and academic qualifications that include a BSc Honours in Quantity Surveying from NUST and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management.

Beyond her technical proficiency, Nozipho is known for her strong analytical mind and attention to detail, which she applies to every project she undertakes. From tender documentation to final accounts preparation, she approaches her work with a commitment to excellence and efficiency. Her responsibilities often involve navigating complex challenges while ensuring that projects meet their financial and operational goals.

When she is not immersed in her professional life, Nozipho remains inspired by her drive to learn and grow. Whether participating in occupational safety workshops or gaining first aid knowledge, she continually expands her skills to contribute meaningfully to her field. Her passion for innovation and dedication to her work make her a respected figure in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Katherine King is a celebrated dance aficionado with over a decade of experience in the enchanting realms of Ballroom and Latin dance. Her journey in dance has been one of passion and dedication, as she has worked tirelessly to perfect her craft and share her love for dance with others. Katherine’s devotion to the art form has not only fueled her personal growth but has also brought a vibrant energy to the dance community.

Through her work, Katherine has become a beacon of inspiration, especially for young girls. She has broken barriers and challenged stereotypes, demonstrating that dance is a powerful medium for expression and empowerment. Her efforts have encouraged women to embrace their love for dance, fostering confidence and joy in those who follow in her footsteps.

Katherine’s remarkable journey in the dance world is a testament to her unwavering commitment and the transformative power of the art form. Her dedication to sharing the beauty of dance has left an indelible mark on the community, uplifting and inspiring countless individuals to discover the magic of movement.

Sitheni Nleya is a woman who radiates positivity and embraces the beauty in all aspects of life. She believes in finding the good in every situation, a mindset that has shaped her outlook and inspired those around her. Grateful for the unwavering support of her “circle of sisters,” Sitheni often reflects on the strength of her relationships and cherishes the bonds that continue to uplift and empower her.

As a journalist by profession, Sitheni is passionate about truth-telling and storytelling, driven by a commitment to integrity and ethics. Her work reflects her dedication to uncovering meaningful narratives and amplifying voices that matter. Beyond her career, she gracefully balances the roles of mother, daughter, and sister, embodying love and responsibility in every sphere of her life.

Sitheni’s story is one of gratitude, resilience, and connection. She carries her values into everything she does, creating a legacy of compassion, purpose, and light-hearted optimism. For Sitheni, life is a journey enriched by relationships, purpose, and an unyielding belief in the power of positivity.

Tariro Mango is a dynamic and versatile professional, currently excelling as a Business Analyst at a prominent organization in Zimbabwe. Beyond her corporate achievements, she is a devoted wife and mother, deeply committed to the well-being and happiness of her family. Her ability to balance a thriving career with her personal life speaks to her resilience and dedication.

Tariro’s true passion lies in empowering women and fostering inclusivity. She is the visionary founder of Her Confidence Organization, an initiative dedicated to building confidence among women and addressing key issues such as menstrual hygiene, awareness of sexually transmitted infections, and education on women-specific health conditions. Through this platform, Tariro creates safe spaces where women can access vital information and resources to take charge of their physical and emotional health.

Her work with Her Confidence Organization reflects her unwavering commitment to community and inclusivity. By championing causes that promote well-being and equality, Tariro is shaping a brighter, healthier future for women and inspiring others to join her in making a meaningful difference.

Rebecca Khumalo is a compassionate philanthropist and a cornerstone of her community, whose life is defined by her unwavering dedication to others. As a mother, she not only nurtures her own children with love and care but extends her warmth to countless others in her community, creating a network of support that touches lives in profound ways.

Her generosity knows no bounds, as she continually finds ways to uplift those around her. Whether it’s offering guidance, providing resources, or simply being a source of comfort and encouragement, Rebecca embodies the spirit of ubuntu—the belief that we are all interconnected and that our humanity is tied to the well-being of others. Her selflessness has earned her a place of respect and admiration among those she serves.

Rebecca’s impact goes beyond material contributions; it’s her nurturing presence and heartfelt commitment that resonate most deeply. Through her actions, she reminds us of the power of community and the importance of lifting others as we rise. Her journey is one of quiet strength and a profound dedication to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

Zviko Manomano is a proud member of the acclaimed gospel group Purple Pride Family. Her journey in music has seen her lend her vocal talent as a backing singer for well-known artists such as Wiseman T Ncube and Carol Nyakuba. But Zviko’s musical achievements go beyond collaboration. She has independently released five heartfelt songs, including “Makatendeka,” “Simbiso,” “You Never Change,” and her latest offering, “Huyai.” Additionally, she has graced listeners with a powerful duet titled “Grace,” in collaboration with Chery! Musumha.

Zviko’s love for music is deeply rooted in her childhood, but it wasn’t until 2021 that she began pursuing it professionally. Her artistry is driven by an authentic passion for music and people, which shines through in her warm, engaging personality. Known for her infectious laughter and ability to connect with others, Zviko embodies the joy that music brings to her life and the lives of her listeners.

Based in Harare, Zimbabwe, Zviko’s commitment to gospel music is both inspiring and transformative. Through her dedication and unwavering connection to her audience, she continues to create music that uplifts spirits, builds faith, and resonates with hearts across the community. Her journey is one of purpose, passion, and a love for spreading light through song.

It is also the story of legendary visionaries. Wangari Maathai, whose dream of a greener, more sustainable Africa inspired millions to plant seeds of change. Yaa Asantewaa, the warrior queen who led her people in the fight against colonial oppression, reminding us of the unyielding strength of African women throughout history.

And still, it is the story of everyday heroines – the rural woman in Uganda tirelessly building her cooperative to support her family and community, the coder in South Africa breaking into the tech world, and countless others across the continent whose stories may never make headlines but shape the heartbeat of Africa’s progress.

Each of these women, in her unique space, embodies a narrative of endurance, courage, and innovation. Together, they form the fabric of a rising continent – an Africa where the voices of women are no longer whispered but boldly proclaimed, inspiring the generations yet to come.

But for every empowered woman, there are countless others still facing barriers – poverty, lack of education, societal stereotypes. These are realities we must confront, not with pity, but with resolve, because an Africa that uplifts its women uplifts itself.

Ubuntu: We Rise Together

In African philosophy, there is a saying: Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu—”I am because we are.” This spirit of interconnectedness teaches us that when one woman rises, we all rise. Her progress is not just hers; it is her family’s, her community’s, her nation’s. On this International Women’s Day, let us renew our commitment to ensuring every woman and girl has the tools and opportunities to realize her full potential.

A Future Shaped by Women

The future of Africa lies in the hands of its women. They are the change-makers, the innovators, the warriors for equality. As the winds of progress sweep across the continent, let us ensure that no woman is left behind. Let her voice be heard, her dreams nurtured, and her efforts recognized.

Today, let us not just celebrate African women but stand in solidarity with them. Together, we rise, for an Africa that thrives on the unyielding spirit of its women.

Happy International Women’s Day – to every woman who carries the hope of Africa in her heart. May your light continue to shine, and may we all be better for it.