by Nancy Likiripa ZCIEA / StreetNet Youth Reporter
Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA) hosted a Women-only Social Gathering for women leaders in the informal economy on August 7, 2024, at the ZCIEA National offices in Harare. This event was designed to provide a safe space for women to discuss their experiences, challenges, and successes.
The gathering centered around self-care, mental health, and the pervasive issue of violence faced by women in the informal economy. In the informal economy, poor mental health is not uncommon. The uncertain nature of the work, coupled with the unpredictable lives of those involved, amplifies stress in their immediate environment. This heightened stress puts individuals, especially women, at an increased risk of developing mental health issues.
The event was opened by Emilda Terere, ZCIEA Gender and Programs Officer, who invited the ZCIEA National Women Vice Chair, Mrs. James, to welcome the participants. “I am pleased to see this women-only space for social dialogue, and I notice some new faces,” she remarked. She encouraged the women to set aside their grievances and focus on their well-being.
The conversation began with discussions on self-care and mental health. Where Women shared their struggles with managing stress, anxiety, and depression while working in the informal economy. Facilitated by Emilda, the session included an engaging exercise known as the “Will of Life.” This activity encouraged self-discovery and exploration of inner desires, strengths, and motivations, fostering a supportive environment and helping women gain clarity on their life’s purpose.
“As women, we need to give ourselves time to rest. We struggle a lot due to the negative energy we receive from society,” said Ethel Musara, a social worker from the Institute for Women Social Workers, while leading the session on mental health. Ethel also discussed how women in informal work often fail to balance their social and work lives, leading to depression and mental health challenges, often exacerbated by economic hardships.
Charity Deve, a ZCIEA member from Harare and a person with a disability, shared how the event reminded her to prioritize her well-being. “When I arrived here, I was very stressed because of the bills at home, but by participating in this event, I felt motivated and enjoyed all the sessions,” she explained. Charity noted that people with disabilities often face significant mental challenges due to daily trauma.
“I learned a lot today about stress relief and the importance of forgiveness,” said Awandile Ndlovu, ZCIEA Youth Representative from Plumtree. This gathering was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, solidarity, and collective action, she added. As the event progressed, the focus shifted from challenges to solutions. Women shared stories of resilience and ways to improve their self-care and wellbeing. They discussed good healthy practices, such as getting enough sleep, practicing gratitude, setting personal goals, and prioritizing stress management in daily life.
As the gathering concluded, a sense of empowerment and community resonated among the attendees. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with like-minded women, gain new perspectives, and feel inspired to take better care of themselves.
This social gathering on self-care, well-being, and mental health highlighted the transformative power of coming together to support and uplift one another. By prioritizing their own self-care and mental health, women can cultivate resilience, strength, and inner peace to navigate life’s challenges with grace and compassion.