Michael Gwarisa
Renowned feminist and former Women’s Action Group (WAG) Executive Director, Edinah Masiiwa, has launched her book titled More Than A Role.
The book was launched in Harare, with the event attracting attendance from various cadres who played a role in Zimbabwe’s feminist movement.
In an interview with HealthTimes after the launch, Mrs Masiiwa said the book mirrors her journey at the helm of WAG, including the highs and lows.
“I wrote the book as a way of documenting my experience working at WAG,” she said. “The book highlights the strides taken by women to ensure their rights are reflected in the country’s laws and policies.”
Her illustrious career as head of Women’s Action Group contributed significantly to the country’s gender landscape and helped shape some of the policies governing issues around gender, women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, and bodily autonomy.
“The book also highlights different leadership styles and strategies for programming. There is also evidence of women-centred interventions. The last part of the book talks about transition and the steps taken to prepare for new leadership. There is a need to prepare the staff and the Board,” she added.
Mrs Masiiwa transitioned from her role as WAG Executive Director in early 2025 after serving for over 30 years in the organisation.
Feminist and women’s rights advocate, Netty Musanhu, described Mrs Masiiwa as a dedicated feminist whose contribution to Zimbabwe cannot be overemphasised.
“The first lesson I drew from Ethno is that leadership begins with conviction, not position. It is about conviction. It is unfortunate that these days we see many leaders who are not convicted in their leadership principles,” said Musanhu.
She applauded Mrs Masiiwa for developing a culture of succession and allowing herself to rest while she still had the energy, as well as for launching her book.
“Vakoma Edna is showing us how it is supposed to be done. She showed us that it was okay to hand over the mic. She handed over even when we all thought WAG belonged to her. And here she is again, showing us that it is important to own your voice. It is important to write your own story. While you are there, she is owning and giving a voice to her life story. Thank you Vakoma for continuing to be a trailblazer. For me, it is not just a celebration.”
Meanwhile, giving a review of Mrs Masiiwa’s book, Virginia Muwanigwa, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Chief Executive Officer, said the book offers balanced reflections.
“One thing I liked about this book as I read through it was that, as much as she focused on her successes at WAG, she also spoke about some of the challenges they faced in the feminist movement and proffered solutions,” said Muwanigwa.
