Makhox Women's League empowering women through social media

Zimbabwean women at home and abroad have taken advantage of the social media to link up and empower themselves. Recently a Facebook group, Makhox Women's League, gathered at a park in Joburg South Africa to share their success stories in various businesses. One woman in her 40s spoke of how grateful she was after having passed 6 O'Levels through the help of the group.

 Nobuhle Virgie, an administrator of the group, who was hosting the gathering wrote the following message afterward.

"I'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all the women who came to our event yesterday.It was a big turnout of about 60+ Makhox women excluding children. Since all admins had other commitments yesterday I (Nobuhle Virgie) was the only available admin to host the event and believe you me there was never a time were I developed cold feet or felt uncomfortable because I had the back of all Makhox admins both in Jozi and overseas,we communicated throughout the event.

...Since I was the hostess, on my introduction I made sure I made everyone feel at home, I shared my experiences as an admin, what we go through as Makhox Women's League admins, the insults we get from fans on our inboxes, the compliments and above all. I told the women that we screen inboxes [messages], we don't just post hence some of the posts are turned down.

We have done a lot as Makhox esp in community building, Tabiso youth Center is now on another level with new computers,desks etc...We have helped individuals like usis Ndlela get an artificial leg, we have helped two boys in Beria with electrical wheel chairs...the list is endless. We as Makhox thrive to make a difference in people's lives and in our communities

Secondly was a speech by Mpokiseng Margaret Moleya who has made it in life, a Zimbabwean business woman who runs a successful driving school in Johannesburg. She urged women not to sit on their hands but to make something of themselves. Then we had u"NaNkosi" a Tupperware Team leader and businesswoman also empowering women to the extent of sharing her life experiences that forced her to become who she is today. Her motto of the day was "ungakhongozeli emlonyeni konke laphansi, indoda mele ithele endaweni eyodwa kuphela not both" Meaning as a woman you have to try to fend for yourself and not to wait on a man to provide with everything.

Other speakers followed, all urging women to strive to be financially independent. A woman of about 40yrs stood up from the crowd with tears in her eyes saying she wants to Thank sis Angie Nie Phiri (one of our admins) for making it possible for her to write her O'levels and at the same time proving to her that the sky is the limit you're never too old to achieve your dreams. At 40 she finally has 6 O'level passes.

We were indeed greatly motivated

We had our lunch then started networking,people selling to each other whatever stuff they had brought,exchanging business-cards,sharing ideas on how to run successful businesses,empowering each other etc...

We then graced the event by sharing a cake made especially for the women of Makhox by Norma Godonga "the cake boss" before we called it a day

It surely was a day to remember and I don't think any woman there left the event the same.To all who came to support us Siyabonga.To all admins both overseas,here and in Zim who helped organise this remarkable event Siyabonga.

To our speakers and guests Thank you so much guys may the Lord bless you abundantly