By Michael Gwarisa
The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has officially launched the Indigenous Women’s Forum, a landmark platform that seeks to empower indigenous women and girls across Zimbabwe by addressing their unique challenges and fostering leadership, advocacy and inclusion.
The forum was unveiled at a vibrant gathering attended by women from various indigenous communities, traditional leaders and civil society actors. It aims to create a safe, inclusive environment for indigenous women to share experiences, shape policy and drive change at both national and global levels.
WCoZ National Coordinating Committee Chairperson Muchanyara Cynthia Mukamuri highlighted the forum’s significance in the broader rights campaign.
Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards advocating for a Zimbabwean society where women and girls in their diversity fully enjoy their rights,” Mukamuri said. “This forum is not simply a gathering; it is a clarion call that indigenous women must be heard not as a footnote to history but as authors of our future.”
Anchored in WCoZ’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and backed by the African Women’s Development Fund, the forum brings to life the Coalition’s pillar of Coalescing and Consolidating Activism on Women and Girls’ Rights. Mukamuri emphasized its role in forging unity and resilience:
“This forum is a sanctuary—a shared space where indigenous women can safely explore, express and elevate their voices and visions. It is a proactive step toward creating a generation of indigenous women leaders who will shape national policy, influence global agendas and steward their communities with dignity and strength.”
Mukamuri also underscored the symbolism of unity, drawing from regional indigenous languages to reinforce solidarity. Celebrating the presence of young women, she urged them to assert their place in the movement: “Women, together we are powerful.”
Contributions from Zimbabwe’s traditional leadership further underscored the event’s importance. Representing the Council of Chiefs, Chief Langton Chikukwa—popularly known as Chief Nechombo—voiced his support: “In parliament right now there have been debates regarding the preservation of our culture. As traditional leaders, we support this program being launched here today.”
Mercy Jaravani, WCoZ National Coordinator, echoed the call for inclusion and recognition. “We are here to raise and respect the rights of women and ensure they are represented in every sphere of life. Our objective is to see women and girls rise and attain their full potential,” she said. Jaravani also emphasised cultural pride: “We recognise that women are not a homogenous group—they are unique in their differences. We do not leave anyone behind in Zimbabwe as long as you are a woman.”
This forum follows closely on the heels of WCoZ’s recent Women with Disabilities Forum, showcasing the coalition’s commitment to inclusive, intersectional activism. Through these initiatives, WCoZ continues to deepen representation and ensure that all women—regardless of ethnicity, ability or background—have equal opportunities to participate in and influence decision-making.
