NBD: Can you tell us a bit about who is Millicent Nhutsve
MN: Millicent Tinaye Nhutsve was born in 1982 in Chirumhanzu District. She is a twin to Cinderella Nhutsve and a mother to an 11 year old girl Anashe. She’s currently studying towards her first degree in Development Studies with Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). She’s also a visual artist by nature specialising in mixed media and pencil drawings. A devout Christian.
NBD: What does being a woman mean to you, in light of the International Women’s day
MN: Being a woman is the greatest gift anyone could ask for, just being able to mother someone and nature them into adulthood instilling the right morals and character. It is also a privilege because it represents a place of refuge to anyone because it is in our DNA as women to be able to love unconditionally.
NBD: Can you tell us about your journey, where you come from and how you got here
MN: I can only say my road wasn’t smooth, it was rocky and bumpy from the disappointments I faced having to grow up in a family that wasn’t all that priviledged. I learnt to accept and live with what I got from my parents and I truly appreciate their love for us even today. I am a very loving and sociable being but I had to realise that no matter how good you are some people will always throw stones and thorns your way. Having accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior I can only say that it spared me from a lot of heartache because his love for me stretches from everlasting to everlasting.
NBD: I understand you have been a victim of Gender Based Violence, how did you deal with that phase of your life.
MN: I am grateful because i have the most loving and supportive family and friends who helped me to heal with their kind words and financial assistance. Imagine I had friends who have relocated to neighbouring countries who took time to listen and help me with anything from money, clothes etc. They were and still are the best friends ever.
NBD: Most women always choose to stay with their abusers rather than move out of the situation, what could be the cause of that.
MN: Its really unfortunate that our cultural beliefs force victims of GBV to stay with their abusers due to fear of victimisation by community and family members. You find family members telling a victim to endure the abuse for the sake of the children and for them to save their marriage yet most victims end up dying prematurely from internal injuries and mental health related illnesses. I seriously think that our government has no tangible measures that cater for victims of GBV like safety nets such as a special grants that help a victim to start over, even shelters that can offer lifeskills tranings that give hope to victims when they decide to leave abusive relationships. Factors like dependency syndrome on their partners especially on financial support also come into play.
NBD: I see you have risen to become a great woman despite going through GBV when most victims end up looking down on them selves, suppressing their dreams and even commiting suicide, what can you say to a woman who is going through the same right now.
MN: My advice is … it’s not too late to start over. You hear victims saying where will I go now I have 2 to 8 children, I repeat its not too late to move from such a toxic environment and have a peaceful start. A person who truly loves you will never say hurtful words or even physically abuse you. Remember that we have just one life and if you die in the hands of that abusive partner what will become of your children. We now have many organisations such as Msasa Project etc that can offer psycho-social support where you can also get legal help against your abuser. Please don’t procastinate he will not change once the beating starts it will not stop it will only get worse until you are dead so run with your life hun.
NBD: Speaking of greatness, you are the team leader of a vibrant CBO Hands of Hope Trust, what inspired you to embark on this vision.
MN: I saw a loophole in our community where women had no free space to unlearn and learn things that could change the narrative of what defines being female. I also felt that with the information i had gotten from the different platforms I have been to I could impart it to other women so that they make informed decisions that can help them develop emotionally, physically and financially.
NBD: What impact is your organization making in communities, and where do you see HoHT in the next five years.
MN: HoHT has enabled a lot of women to speak out on issues that concern them for example issues of gender sensitive social service delivery, contributing in the budget consultation meetings. HOHT has also been training women on livelihood projects such as soap making, detergents making, constitutional law, women’s rights and freedoms just to mention a few. Five years from now I see HOHT as a force to reckon with in terms of empowering women, I see our membership taking up leadership positions which influence legislative laws so that policies implemented by our government are gender sensitive.
NBD: As a woman what drives you.
MN: Changing lives for better with the little I have, I told myself that I have to start now which I am already doing.
NBD: What scares you the most.
MN: A community where women are not empowered
NBD: Do you think there will ever be a Zimbabwe where a woman can be a President or VP
MN: Yes a female President is very possible if we rally together in encouraging the girl child to express herself enough, it gives her confidence to dominate any space and it starts at household level going up.
NBD: What are the loopholes in governance as far as the welfare of women is concerned.
MN: Policies that are formulated in parliament must always carry gender lenses and they must be implemented, evaluated and monitored by local authorities so that they are respected regardless of cultural beliefs and norms.
NBD: Who inspires you
MN: Dambisa Moyo the Zambian economist and Dr Maya Angelou the great poet. These two women are full of greatness, they beat the odds to be recognised internationally. Itruly believe that nothing can stop me from achieving such greatness. They inspire me the most.
NBD: In light of this year’s IWD theme Choose To Challenge, what can you challenge in terms of politics, economics or societal norms that exclude or suppress women
MN: I choose to challenge the notion that women should remain as care givers only, I think women have so much more to offer that just unpaid care work. Politically women can contribute ideas that help change the way we view politics, economically if women have access to loans they can start businesses/income generating projects that can bring in a lot of cash into our economy and help fight inflation, also creating employment opportunities. I also choose to challenge societal norms that prevent women from having access to land and big assets. Women are equal partners if they are given access to all these they can contribute positively in their communities hence demystifying myths that women are just there for breeding babies.
NBD: Any last words to women and young girls out there who look up to you.
MN: Thoughts become things, if you believe in yourself everything is possible you attract the right opportunities to you. So stand tall and dominate every space, where ever you go its your chance to shine
Inspired! Thank you gal