THE sun paints the sky with hues of orange and gold as I step out onto the dusty road, the air crisp with the promise of a new day.
My hands, calloused from years of tending the land, instinctively reach for the hoe slung over my shoulder. As I walk towards my field, the rhythmic crunch of my footsteps blends with the chorus of birdsong, a symphony of life unfolding in the heart of Zimbabwe.
This is my rhythm, the rhythm of resilience, the rhythm of a worker who has known both hardship and hope. I am a woman, a mother, a farmer, a daughter of this land, and on Workers’ Day, my heart overflows with stories, stories that echo the struggles and triumphs of countless Zimbabweans like me. The Workers’ Day is commemorated on May 1 each year.
I remember the days when the weight of colonialism bore down on us, our labour exploited, our voices silenced. We were forced to conform to a definition of work that prioritised profit over human dignity, our sweat and toil fuelling an economy that benefited others.
Yet, even in the face of such injustice, we never lost sight of the inherent value of our work, the way it connected us to the land, to our communities, and to the very essence of who we are.
Our journey as women in Zimbabwe has been one of resilience and adaptation, a constant negotiation between the forces of oppression and the indomitable spirit of our people. We have borne witness to the devastating effects of colonialism, the economic turmoil of the economic structural adjustment programme (Esap) era, the displacement and uncertainty of farm invasions, and the precariousness of the informal sector.
Through it all, we have remained steadfast, our voices rising in protest, our hands building new lives, our hearts holding onto hope.
In the colonial era, our labour was often relegated to the domestic sphere, confined to the kitchens and fields of white settlers.
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Our skills and knowledge were undervalued, and our contributions to the economy were ignored. Yet, we found ways to resist, to assert our agency, and to create spaces of our own. We formed women's groups, shared agricultural techniques, and bartered goods and services within our communities.
We were the backbone of our families and the custodians of our traditions, passing down stories and songs that kept our cultural heritage alive.
The introduction of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (Esap) in the 1990s brought about a new set of challenges.
As the government implemented austerity measures, many women lost their formal sector jobs and were forced to seek alternative sources of income.
The informal sector became a lifeline for many, but it also exposed them to exploitation, low wages, and precarious working conditions.
The land invasions of the early 2000s further disrupted the lives of many women, particularly those who had worked on commercial farms.
While some benefited from land redistribution, others were displaced and lost their livelihoods. The uncertainty and violence associated with the land reform process left many women feeling vulnerable and marginalised.
Despite these challenges, women in Zimbabwe have continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability. They have become the driving force behind the informal sector, starting small businesses, trading goods, and providing essential services.
They have also taken on leadership roles in their communities, advocating for their rights and working to improve the lives of others.
Then came the Covid-19 pandemic, a global crisis that forced us to confront the vulnerabilities of our existing systems and redefine our relationship with work once again.
As borders closed and businesses shut down, we were thrust into a new reality, one where the traditional boundaries between work and home blurred, and the very definition of "essential worker" took on a new meaning.
For many women in Zimbabwe, the pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities. We were disproportionately represented in sectors that were hardest hit by lockdowns and job losses, such as informal trading, domestic work, and hospitality.
We also shouldered the brunt of increased childcare and household responsibilities as schools and day-care centres closed.
Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, we also witnessed a remarkable display of resilience and adaptability. Women found innovative ways to work from home, using technology to connect with clients and customers.
They formed support networks to share resources and information. They became community leaders, providing essential services and advocating for the most vulnerable.
The pandemic forced us to re-evaluate what truly matters in our work. We realised that flexibility, compassion, and a focus on human well-being are not just desirable qualities but essential ingredients for a just and sustainable economy.
We learned that work can be a source of meaning and purpose, even when it is done remotely or within the confines of our homes.
As we emerge from the pandemic, we carry with us the lessons we have learned. We know that the future of work must be built on principles of equity, inclusivity, and sustainability.
We must create an economy that values care work, recognises the diverse contributions of women, and provides opportunities for all to thrive.
This is not just a matter of economic necessity; it is a matter of social justice. Women are the backbone of our communities, and their well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of our nation.
By investing in women and creating an enabling environment for them to succeed, we are investing in a brighter future for all Zimbabweans.
Amidst all these hardships, the spirit of resilience burns bright. We are witnessing a growing movement of worker-owned cooperatives, community-based initiatives, and social enterprises that are redefining work and creating new models of economic empowerment.
These initiatives are not just about generating income; they are about building a future where work is a source of dignity, fulfilment, and collective progress.
As a woman, I have witnessed first-hand the unique challenges faced by working women in Zimbabwe. We often bear the brunt of both paid and unpaid labour, juggling the demands of our jobs with the responsibilities of childcare, household chores, and community involvement.
Despite these challenges, we continue to break barriers, carving out spaces for ourselves in traditionally male-dominated fields and advocating for equal pay and opportunities.
On this Workers’ Day, celebrated last week on Wednesday, I stand in solidarity with all working people in Zimbabwe, regardless of gender, race, class, or location.
Our shared experiences, our common struggles, and our unwavering hope for a better future unite us. Let us demand fair wages, safe working conditions, and social protections for all workers.
Let us support and celebrate the diverse forms of work that contribute to the well-being of our communities.
As I return from my field, the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the land. The rhythmic hum of crickets fills the air, a lullaby sung by nature as the day draws to a close.
I am weary, but my heart is full. I am a worker, a woman, a Zimbabwean, and I am proud of the rhythm of resilience that beats within me.
This is our story, the story of a nation that has known both hardship and hope, a story that continues to unfold with every sunrise.
On this Workers’ Day, let us honour the legacy of those who came before us and build a Zimbabwe where work empowers us all, a Zimbabwe where the rhythm of resilience echoes through generations to come.
Until then, we are blessed to be a blessing (#B2BAB). We were here, becoming better, making our mark, and leaving our footprint as we make the world a better place!
- Chirenje writes in her capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe. Follow her on social media for more Lifezone with Grace conversations on Twitter: @graceruvimbo; Facebook: Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje; Instagram: @graceruvimbo
