Elevating Women's Voices: Tsitsi Dangarembga scoops WorldWomanHero Award

Zimbabwean author and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga recently received the  World Woman Foundation SHero award, in honor of her outstanding contributions to women's empowerment and artistic expression

Receiving the WorldWomanHero award holds deep personal and professional significance for Dangarembga, who views it as a validation of her lifelong dedication to empowering women through artistic expression. "This award is not just a personal honor but a recognition of the collective struggle of women everywhere, to assert their voices and reclaim their narratives," she emphasized in an interview, reflecting on the broader implications of her work in promoting gender equality and social equity.

Dangarembga eloquently expressed the transformative power of storytelling, emphasizing its role in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering critical dialogue, stating that storytelling is a powerful means of shaping perceptions and challenging entrenched norms so that through literature and film, communities have the opportunity to explore complex social issues, particularly those affecting women.

Dangarembga's journey to recognition began with her commitment to promoting the capacity and advancement of women and girls in all areas, aiming to move towards gender equality on a global scale. Her work, which primarily targets African and other melanated young women, seeks to provide insights into their situations and address the forces that shape their lives. Notably, the World Woman Foundation appreciated her focus on training and capacity building for women in artistic expression.

Throughout her career, she has championed the importance of supporting women in the arts and amplifying their voices. She believes that investing in diverse and inclusive narratives is essential for building more equitable societies. "Women's stories are vital in shaping our understanding of the world and envisioning a future where all voices are heard," she asserted, highlighting the pivotal role of storytelling in driving positive change.

Reflecting on her experiences as a female artist, Dangarembga candidly shared insights into the challenges she faced, not only as a woman but also as an artist in a sector that was not initially considered a viable career path, and as nothing more than a hobby. Her insights into the lack of competitive arts education in Zimbabwe and elsewhere on the African continent, and the associated barriers faced by women in pursuing artistic careers, highlighted the need for educational reform and greater support for women's narrative art, including filmmaking. She emphasized that education is one of the biggest areas of concern in Zimbabwe, especially in the arts, saying, “Without arts education, we will not grow competitive artists." She also highlighted the need for greater support in the film industry, stating that capital is an issue, so that the local industry, especially women, need more support in that regard.

In addition to her achievements as an author and filmmaker, Dangarembga discussed the significance of her work in inspiring young readers and film enthusiasts. She highlighted a memorable encounter at the World Woman Foundation Agenda Conference in Cannes, where she received the SHero Award from World Woman Foundation founder Rupa Dash, who believes progress for women is progress for all. The encounter took place during a fireside chat moderated by 11-year-old, Aayati Dash Kar, who is passionate about art and science and about creating a place for girls in the metaverse. Having read and been impressed by all Dangarembga's novels, Aayati moderated an insightful fireside chat with Dangarembga about the social, cultural, political and economic, contexts of Dangarembga's writing.

In her interview for this article, Dangarembga further reflected on her early start as a writer and filmmaker, underscoring the need for individuals to persevere and create opportunities for themselves in the absence of formal spaces for their artistic expression. Her advice to aspiring artists, especially melanated young women, resonates with her own experiences, emphasizing the importance of consistent dedication and self-initiated efforts to showcase their work and make a meaningful impact.