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ZWW launches the Women's Voices initiative during IWD
Zimbabwe Women Writers
March 22, 2011

In commemorating this year's International Women's Day, ZWW joined other organisations by upholding the theme "Promoting Equal Access to Education and Training, Science and technology - the pathway to decent work for women".

The Chairperson, Ms Tawona Mtshiya explained that this year's theme was reminiscent of ZWW's ideals in its founding principles, and it was timely in that the organisation was celebrating its coming of age - having been in existence for the past two decades.

"We may not be good at marching the streets, but our writings sure do the talking for us. Our partnership with specific organisations to achieve certain objectives such as accessing education to women over the past two decades is testimony to our commitment to success," Mtshiya said.

She chronicled the organisation's history and partnerships with various stakeholders in uplifting the status of women, including telling the story of the marginalised women. To date, ZWW boasts of having published the challenges faced by the mothers of children with disabilities through its research-based title In the Wake of Our Shadows, the publication of personal stories on HIV and AIDS through its trilogy in Shona, Ndebele and English and the experiences of incarcerated women among other titles.

As a milestone mark, the organisation launched a Women's Voices Initiative, which was described as more advocacy oriented with the focus of using various forms of art and new media technologies in amplifying women's voices. Director Audrey Charamba was appointed the Initiative's Coordinator and would take up the role with immediate effect. The initiative was a response to the needs of many women who had indicated the absence of women-specific e-forums and deliberate communication initiatives using the genres of new media and other art forms to highlight challenges faced by women and celebrate milestones across the spectrum. Women's Voices would therefore have a deliberate communications and advocacy slant.

Senior programmes officer, Eresina Hwede was announced the Acting Director of all ZWW Programmes whose focus remained grounded in the founding principles of promoting creativity among women artists including writers of poetry, short stories, novels, theatre and film scripting.

Once again ZWW proved to be the hub of women's literature as the occasion was graced by artists from various walks of life, published and established writers, poets and playwrights, as well as representatives of women's organisations and cultural organisations.

Officiating at the occasion, Chairperson of the National Arts Council Board, Dr Thokozile Chitepo challenged the new initiative - Women's Voices to embrace all forms of new media technologies in communicating issues affecting women, while urging the "new dispensation" ZWW to continue nurturing creativity among women, ensuring their participation in building peace within the country.

"As writers, let me remind you that you are advocates in your own right - your scripts in the form of theatrical plays, short stories and poetry can contribute significantly to building peace, an essential element within our society today," she said. She urged all women organisations present to assist in crafting messages for peace within their communities and not leaving the work to mainstream players.

The occasion, hosted at the ZWW offices was graced by a number of poetry performances by ZWW members.

For more information contact: Audrey Charamba audzi@zol.co.zw or Eresina Hwede eresinah@yahoo.com or zww@zol.co.zw

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