Chipinge Launches Women Museum Concept

By Steve Ephraem

The advent of rural tourism has seen Chipinge scoring a first by launching the concept of Women Museums. This initiative also aligns with the principle of Education 5.0, where narratives on women icons in Zimbabwe are recorded and archived for educational purposes.

 The concept was launched by a non-profit organisation named Ndau Festival of the Arts during a two-day event that took place on Friday, 20 September, and Saturday, 21 September 2024.

 Friday’s program featured a symposium that was held at Chikore High School.This program was made possible through a partnership between Ndau Festival of the Arts and Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences. The symposium was titled “Rural Tourism”, which primarily focused on presentations on research conducted by colleges and universities.

 National University of Science and Technology, Catholic University, Bindura University of Science Education, University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe Open University, Great Zimbabwe University, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Masvingo teachers’ College and others presented their papers.

The second day was a vibrant celebration of women through poetry, cultural dances, song, and art at Paiyepo Cultural and Heritage Centre, Bangira Village. Notable artistes who performed included Masiziva Mundau, Paiyepo Mbira Crew, Bonny T, Sikhanda Mutshongoyo, Chiaraidze Mutshongoyo, Gaza Primary School, poet Prowess Kusasa and many more.

 The symposium on Friday provided a platform for scholars and researchers to share their findings on rural tourism, highlighting its potential to transform local economies and preserve cultural heritage. The presentations underscored the importance of integrating academic research with community initiatives to foster sustainable development.

 Saturday’s festivities were a colorful tribute to the women of Zimbabwe. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Ndau people, with performances that included traditional dances, soulful poetry recitations, and melodious songs. Art exhibits displayed works that celebrated the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in society.

 The Women Museums concept aims to create spaces where the stories of Zimbabwean women can be preserved and shared with future generations. By documenting the lives and achievements of women icons, the initiative seeks to inspire and educate, ensuring that their legacies are not forgotten.

 The launch of this concept marks a significant milestone in the promotion of rural tourism and the empowerment of women in Ndau and other communities in Zimbabwe. It reflects a growing recognition of the vital role that women play in the cultural and social fabric of the nation.

 Speaking about the Women Museums concept, the director of Ndau Festival of the Arts, Mr Phillip Kusasa said that initiatives like these, Chipinge is paving the way for a more inclusive and culturally enriched future.

 “The concept we have launched is all about the future. A lot of women have made notable achievement for their communities but in most cases, they go undocumented. We are now addressing this anomaly. We want people to read about these achievements. They should be documented. In such a manner, we are promoting rural tourism where people visit our museums to celebrate with us.

“In Chipinge Joyce Simango, the late Daisy Dube, Elizabeth Mahiyana, Bertha Jambaya, just to mention but a few. Such luminaries, as role models, can inspire the youth that nothing is impossible. Given a chance women can also do it,” he said.