Zimbabwe needs a rebirth; women must play a central part

The situation of women in Zimbabwe has been gradually deteriorating since the country gained its independence from Britain in 1980. As one who grew up in the country at a time when things were still relatively fine, I can still vividly recall the easy-go kind of life we led then.

As little girls, we completely enjoyed our childhoods, without having to worry about the cares of the world, something which cannot be said of today's girls who have to do something to assist the family that is if they are not heading it altogether. In the past all the basic requirements were provided for.

As little kids we had plenty of time to play by in the streets and had access to good, nutritious food as well as snacks between meals.

The country celebrated two important holidays this week which are the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day. Heroes Day is a day set aside to commemorate the fallen liberation war fighters whose sacrifice made it possible for Zimbabwe to gain independence in 1980.

However Zimbabwe has just proved to be a classic case of the phenomenal "from riches to rags." At independence Zimbabwe was just an envy of many but alas, some bad influence started crippling in with record corruption levels eating away the riches of our country.

Like a greedy herd boy who milks his master's cows and sell the milk for a song, the once liberation war heroes turned themselves tyrants and villains. With a little effort, they reversed all the progress that Zimbabwe had achieved. The once breadbasket of Southern Africa is now a basket case.

What surprises me is that those we accuse of destroying the country have always found themselves back into power. It's now 38 years after Independence but with nothing to show for it and we wonder if the fallen heroes we were commemorating on Monday are not turning in their graves.

Each electoral season we emerge a more divided nation, what a shame on us. It affects the economy too.

Zimbabwe just needs a break from all the drama of selfish politicians. The country needs a rebirth. I yearn for a country where exactly the opposite in terms of leadership style becomes the order of the day.

The question is who is going to be our saviour, who is going to be our next heroes now?

I think it's time for all men and women of valour to stand up. The largely male dominated leadership has brought us to where we are now. Not discrediting their contribution during the liberation war, we are now in a phase where our leadership style must change and allow young women and men to take over. It is the skill that one has that must count and not the proximity to power.

Zimbabwe's rebirth lies in all its citizens, both men and women who have something new to offer away from the ruinous politics of the male dominated, corruption ridden and continuously recycled Zanu PF leadership.

A rebirth which acknowledges that we are all equal citizens in practice and anyone who has the best idea must be listened to.

In this rebirth I challenge my fellow women to emerge out of this messy and be the country's new crop of heroes. Women must rise up and defeat patriarchy that has shaped our ideology to think that we will not move forward without this failed crop of leaders that have ruled us for the past 38 years.

Women seriously need to build self-confidence and take up key positions of power and influence. It is time for a rebirth and it's time to stand and break the propaganda that only men can do it.

What we enjoyed as little kids must be the basic privilege of everyone. We need a rebirth where both men and women of character reshape our national vision and allowed to play a part in the reawakening of Zimbabwe.

As women, our future is in our hands so let's join others . Together we can do it-- For views and comments write to : makhoprecious@gmail.com Makho Precious, I write my personal opinions as a free spirit standing for women rights and space in society