SWET at the Forefront of Indigenous Women’s Voices: Celebrating the Launch of the Indigenous Women’s Forum
A huge part of being a feminist is giving other women the freedom to make choices you might not necessarily make yourself.
Centering Indigenous Women in Feminist Justice
Indigenous knowledge systems, languages, and identities are not only valid, they are vital to our shared feminist vision for justice, dignity, and equality.
On 9 July, we proudly joined the launch of the Indigenous Women’s Forum, hosted by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ). This pivotal and culturally rich event brought together diverse voices to uplift, celebrate, and advocate for the rights and recognition of Zimbabwe’s indigenous women.
Our founder, Caroline Mutimbanyoka, served as the overall facilitator, guiding deep and meaningful conversations that centred the experiences of Tshwa and Doma women, alongside traditional leaders, government officials, and gender equality advocates.
Centering Indigenous Women in Feminist Justice
This landmark forum created space for long-marginalised communities to be seen, heard, and honoured. It served as a reminder that indigenous women’s voices are essential to any conversation about national identity, gender justice, and inclusive development.
The event was filled with rich storytelling, cultural affirmation, and powerful calls to action — all rooted in the recognition that no woman should be left behind, especially those from indigenous communities who have historically been excluded from decision-making spaces.
As SWET, we hold firmly to the belief that:
Indigenous knowledge systems, languages, and identities are not only valid, they are vital to our shared feminist vision for justice, dignity, and equality.
Solidarity, Identity, and Policy Shaping
We are proud to stand in solidarity with our sisters from the Tshwa and Doma communities as they reclaim their rightful place in public discourse and policy-making.
Together, we are pushing for:
- Recognition of indigenous languages and practices in national development frameworks
- Inclusive platforms for indigenous women to influence policy and legislation
- Protection of cultural and land rights
- Preservation of indigenous wisdom as a living heritage that contributes to national resilience
Ubuntu in Action: I am because you are
This forum was more than an event, it was a bold declaration that Zimbabwe’s future must be inclusive of all its daughters, especially those whose identities, histories, and contributions have been overlooked for far too long.
As SWET, we remain committed to walking alongside indigenous women, not as saviours, but as co-strugglers and co-creators of a liberated future.
I am because you are.
#SWETVoices #IndigenousWomen #FeministJustice #Ubuntu #CulturalRights #WCoZ #LeaveNoOneBehind #DomaVoices #TshwaVoices #GenderJustice #SproutWomenEmpowermentTrust
