Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities: Nomsa Manyowa‘s WLSB journey.
Written by Loraine Phiri
Nomsa Manyowa, a passionate community leader from Gwanda, Zimbabwe, has harnessed her drive to make a positive impact through her involvement with the Women Leaders’ Sounding Board (WLSB). Manyowa’s WLSB experience has empowered her to become a vocal advocate for her community.
“The WLSB has empowered me to be an active community member,” she shared. “I have joined a local group that holds the Gwanda City Council accountable for essential services like clean water provision and waste management, ensuring a healthier environment for everyone.”
Her efforts extend beyond service delivery. Manyowa also actively empowers other women to participate in community development.
“Through WLSB, I have encouraged women to step into leadership roles and advocate for community development,” she highlighted. “Recently, as a group, we successfully pushed for the Gwanda sewage crisis to be addressed. This experience first hand showed the transformative impact women can have when they actively participate in society,” said Manyowa.
Engaging with WLSB and participating in WILD training sessions have taught Manyowa valuable skills. These sessions honed her communication skills, boosted her confidence, and instilled the importance of teamwork in an environment often dominated by men.
“Attending WILD trainings improved my communication skills,” Manyowa explained. “I have gained confidence that my voice can be heard, even in a male-dominated community. I have also learned the importance of teamwork, having one strong voice increases the chances of being heard,” she said.
Manyowa acknowledges the gender biases that persist in community involvement, emphasizing the need for women to continue breaking down these barriers. She highlights the prevalent misconception that men are more capable decision-makers, and she encourages women to seek out opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals and persistently work towards their goals.
“One of the biggest challenges women face in participating in community development is gender bias,” Manyowa acknowledged. “There is a belief that men drive the economy and make better decisions compared to women. This leads to women and their ideas being ridiculed. Women are less likely to be heard, limiting their economic and political involvement. While things are changing, there is still a long way to go.”
Recognizing the challenges women face, Manyowa offers clear advice. She urges women to join supportive organizations, share ideas, and persevere in their efforts to drive development. Patience and persistence are key, she believes. With dedicated effort, substantial progress can be made despite gender bias.
As Nomsa Manyowa continues to inspire and lead by example, her journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of community engagement and the essential role of women in shaping development in their communities.