The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
WOMEN’S month is commemorated annually to celebrate the success and achievements of strong women all over the globe, but also women who have contributed to the empowerment of the gender.
Sipho Mazibuko is one such woman.
In 2003 she established Miss Rural Zimbabwe, a unique pageant that has, over the years, uplifted the lives of many rural girls from across the country.
“Rural communities often face socio-economic challenges, initiatives aimed at empowering the girl child are crucial for fostering positive change and creating opportunities for a brighter future,” said Mazibuko.
“The Miss Rural Zimbabwe platform was not just a beauty pageant. It was a platform for empowerment, education, and advocacy.
“It provided young girls from rural areas with opportunities to develop confidence, leadership skills, and access to resources that they may not otherwise have had.”
In many cases, girls and young women in rural areas face barriers to accessing quality education, including lack of schools, financial constraints, and cultural norms.
The Miss Rural Zimbabwe initiative served as a platform for advocacy and raising awareness about issues affecting rural communities, such as gender-based violence, child marriage, and access to healthcare.
She said through workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs, participants in the initiative learn about their rights, health, and how to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Mazibuko believes that the positive impact of Miss Rural goes beyond the participants themselves.
“By empowering girls to become leaders and change-makers, the platform fostered a culture of gender equality and social progress in rural Zimbabwe.
“Families are inspired to support their daughters’ education and aspirations, and communities are encouraged to break free from harmful traditions and embrace gender equality,” she said.
She has since indicated plans to broaden the scope of the pageant to continental level.
The Bulawayo-based Mazibuko, who owns the Miss Rural Africa trademark, said she is currently engaging various partners with a view of bringing to life the inaugural Miss Rural Africa pageant this year.
“I am currently in talks with various stakeholders from a number of countries, such as Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia, just to mention a few, to make sure that this inaugural event is a success,” she said.
“As we continue to strive for gender equality and inclusive development, initiatives like Miss Rural serve as powerful catalysts for positive change.”
Mazibuko is an award-winning businesswoman, with various enterprises, and is also a mental health champion.
