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FROM THE RAMP TO EMPOWERMENT ADVOCATE :The story of Lwazi Mbowa

Faith Ndlovu,SundayLife Reporter

LWAZI Mbowa, founder of Miss Big Matofotofo, recently officially launched the Lift African Women Up Foundation, a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the often-overlooked struggles faced by women, including issues related to relationships, depression, anxiety, and domestic violence.

At 57, Mbowa, a dedicated advocate for women’s issues, has channelled her experience from the runway into meaningful change. 

As the founder of the Miss Big Matofotofo pageant, which celebrates plus-size women across Zimbabwe and has expanded to include participants from Zambia and Malawi, she has established a platform that empowers women who wear size 40 and above, aged between 18 and 35.

Since its inception in 2005, the pageant has grown significantly, reflecting her commitment to uplifting women. 

The journey to founding the Lift African Women Up Foundation stems from her passion for creating positive change in the lives of women throughout Zimbabwe, marking a new chapter in her mission to empower and support women in their everyday struggles.

Speaking during the launch she revealed that recognising, the pervasive and often overlooked struggles that women face, including relationship challenges, mental health issues, and domestic violence, she then felt compelled to take action.

“As a married woman, I have had the opportunity to interact with numerous couples. I once attended a Christian women’s workshop, where the pastor’s wife asked how many of us were happily married. Out of 52 attendees, not a single hand was raised. This experience opened my eyes to the fact that many homes were struggling with issues that were not being addressed,” she said.

Mbowa said that this initiative was to promote mental wellness, build self-confidence, foster healthy marriages and relationships, communicate effectively, navigate infidelity and betrayal as well as develop essential survival skills.

“This foundation recognises that African women face a myriad of complex challenges in marriages, poverty and cultural barriers. Women are often forced to bear the brunt of societal pressures, with men frequently exacerbating the situation. 

“This can lead to women being pushed to breaking point, resulting in some resorting to desperate measures. Sadly, this can manifest in various ways, including incarceration, depression, substance abuse and even prostitution,” she said.

During the launch, a representative from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender, Community, Small to Medium Enterprises, Dominica Mringi, said there was a need for society to come together and work towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women.

“This year’s commemorations of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women are being held under the theme: ‘Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNITE to End Violence against Women and Girls’.

“This theme aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Additionally, in the same year, 2025, a 10-year milestone will be reached towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” she said.

Mringi noted that the theme is a call to all member states to take positive steps towards realising the aspirations of the declaration and to critically reflect on the efforts made towards eliminating violence against women and girls since the coming into effect of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995.

Also present at the launch was Yvonne Moshoana Da Luz, the current chairperson of Women and Academia portfolio for National Society of Black Engineers in South Africa.

She took the opportunity to equip the participants with valuable skills and strategies to help distract them from depression and foster independence among women.

“Life throws curveballs at us — some expected, others not. It could be a career setback, a personal loss, a health crisis, or simply the weight of societal expectations. Yet, time and again, women have demonstrated a remarkable ability to rise above adversity, showing strength and grace in the most trying situations.

“In this rapidly evolving environment, there is no better time than now to dream big, start strong, and build something extraordinary. Launching and sustaining a successful business in today’s world requires more than just an idea — it requires strategy, adaptability, and a relentless drive. Let’s explore how you can set yourself up for success, whether you’re starting a business or scaling one,” she said.

Da Luz encouraged women that they are not defined by the challenges they face but by how they rise after falling. 

She said by building resilience and honing emotional intelligence, women equip themselves not just to survive but to thrive, inspire, and lead.

“Together, let’s embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for growth, support one another in times of need, and continue to shine brightly as the resilient and emotionally intelligent women we are.

“I want to leave you with this thought: The world needs your unique voice, your ideas, and your strength. There is no one like you, and there never will be. Believe in yourself because you are capable of greatness,” she said. 

  • Sinokubonga Nkala

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