Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Faith Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
A PIONEERING initiative, Lift African Women Up Foundation, founded by Lwazi Mbowa is set to be officially launched to explore the often-overlooked struggles that women face, including relationships, depression, anxiety and domestic violence.
Mbowa is a married woman aged 57 who has been involved with women’s issues and is the founder of the Miss Big Matofotofo which has grown to include two other Sadc countries, Zambia and Malawi.
The pageant targets women who wear size 40 and above, between the ages of 18 and 35.
This time she is launching a foundation that advocates for the development of a comprehensive women’s mental wellness programme.
Speaking to Sunday Life she revealed the inspiration behind establishing the Lift African Women Up Foundation.
“It is rooted in my deep passion for empowering African women. As a woman who has worked with numerous women during my days as a pageant organiser, I witnessed first-hand the numerous challenges and inequalities faced by women in their respective communities, from social and cultural barriers to low self-esteem, emotional trauma, gender-based/ domestic violence and financial dependence,” she revealed.
“As a married woman, I’ve 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 weren’t being addressed,”she said.
Mbowa said this realisation inspired her to create a programme aimed at supporting women, particularly Christian women, who often pretend to be fine while secretly suffering.
She noted that this initiative aims 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.
“To address these challenges we will promote healthy relationships by educating women and girls about relationships, mutual respect and communication and support for survivors of domestic violence by providing counselling and shelter.”
Mbowa noted that during the launch there will be a speaker from South Africa who will equip attendees with valuable skills and strategies to help distract them from depression and foster independence among women.
“The speaker from South Africa will also address a sensitive topic: Navigating a relationship with a cheating partner. She will delve into the emotional impact of infidelity, the effects of a ‘side chick,’ and the difficult question of whether it’s worth staying in such a relationship,” she said.
She emphasised that a collaboration effort from individuals, organisations and the Government is required to yield the best results.
“Together we can create a more equitable society where African women can essentialise their full potential,” said Mbowa.
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