The Women’s Month is drawing to a close but Women’s University in Africa embraces every day as an opportunity to change the lives of women that enrol at the University as they access the varied programmes on offer that will open doors to leadership, entrepreneurship and better living standards.
The University walks the talk as females are office bearers and at the helm of these offices, from the founders of the University Prof Hope Cynthia Sadza and Dr. Fay King Chung, the Chancellor- Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice Chancellor Prof S. D Chingarande, Directors, Heads of Departments, Officers and SRC members. We honour these women for their wisdom and leadership skills as they drive the University mandate.
Of these women, today our focus is on two women, Ms Tanaka Mugova and Mrs Nyarai Taona.
Tanaka Mugova is the Women’s University in Africa Student Representative Council President. She is a young feminist who believes in the empowerment of women. Tanaka is currently studying towards a BSc Honours Degree in Social Work. At the same time, she works as a volunteer at Ignite Youth Organisation in trying to make a difference in the community. "I am happy to be given this opportunity to express my gratitude to Women's University in Africa for allowing women to engage in student politics.” It is challenging for a woman to be active in student politics at University because society perceives women as being weak and unable to run for office, occupy that office and make strategic and life-changing decisions at its helm.
Zimbabwean society is patriarchal, thus children are raised with the idea that women should not lead and should always obey men. As a result, it is challenging for a woman to run for office and participate in leadership. But this is different at Women’s University where they give women a chance to be SRC Presidents. The Women’s University in Africa gives women a chance to showcase their abilities and capabilities. “Being the President was not an easy journey but I fought through until I succeeded. I just want to say to all females out there if I was able to make it why can’t you, do not underestimate your ability and do not give up easily. Work hard until you achieve what you want.”
Tanaka Mugova is the founder of a movement called Young Ladies Empowerment where she empowers women and helps them to be self-reliant. She finds inspiration in motivating other women to become better themselves. She was invited to Zi FM’s Campus Parade) on the 15th of November 2022, where she talked about the participation of women specifically in student politics. She encouraged other women to partake in leadership positions either at school, at work, or even in their communities. This will educate and change the perceptions of society about Women as they demonstrate leadership qualities and prove wrong the negative perceptions of society.
She has also been to Power FM, SkyMetro FM and also 3KTV consistently preaching the gospel of women’s empowerment. She is a student activist who makes sure that students are being treated fairly. In her journey of empowering women, she has awakened the Women’s University in Africa Modelling Club where she wants women to be confident about themselves. Tanaka is hardworking and she never gives up until the job is done.
As Women’s Month draws to an end, she encourages all women to believe in themselves and not listen to the negativity that people say. “A woman that knows her worth doesn't measure herself against another woman but stands strong, calm and self-confident.”_ Auliq Ice