It was an honour being nominated amongst Top Four
Zimbabwe Women Dorcas Gwata, Sakhile Khanye, Kudzai Pasirayi and
Harriet Mupungu. Whose efforts have advanced the blogging empowerment of
women locally, regionally or internationally. Whether the candidate is working
on a small scale or making an impact to others .These ladies still are an
inspiration, even if they didn’t win. The fact they have been the top chosen
bloggers of the nomination at the “ZIWA Awards 2015”, I wanted to share their achievements
as bloggers.
We at The Legacy of True
Beauty spoke to Harriet Mupungu
about her journey and what some of her other passions are. Holding a degree in International Development
Studies, Harriet is a social commentator, writer and activist who, through her
blog, www.barbedhope.com provides a platform for Zimbabweans based in the
diaspora to connect and share views. With special interest in issues affecting
African women, Harriet is particularly passionate about maternal health and was
a producer of Am I Not A Mother?, a film by Hona Media focusing on postnatal
depression among Zimbabwean .In addition to her own blog, Harriet has
contributed opinion pieces to POVO and Induna Magazines. Harriet has experience
within the corporate insurance industry both in Zimbabwe and United Kingdom. —
Lets find more about her multi-talented skills and her blogging journey.
Tell us about yourself?
I am a woman of many
labels from being a wife, a mother, an insurance broker, a reader, a wannabe
writer and a blogger. Above all, I am a confident and determined woman with
huge dreams and aspirations.
When and why did you start blogging?
I have always wanted to
write. My wild imagination was always evident in school essays so I guess I
started enjoying expressing myself through written words from an early age. I
started my first blog www.barbedhope.com about 2 years ago after getting positive feedback
from friends. I had written an opinion piece on the Obama trip to Africa for ‘isthisafrica.com’ and so I thought I
would give blogging a go. BarbedHope is my space to rant, applaud and dream
about African issues as well as to express my views on what happens in Zimbabwe
from a diaspora point of view. I have recently started a blog about food www.everydayharriet.com where I share my
homemade cooking and baking chronicles.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced?
I cannot say I have faced
any particular challenges through blogging. I started blogging when I had a
good social media foundation, especially on Twitter and Facebook. What I would
say is that blogging has made me more confident in expressing my opinions.
What motivates you?
My family.
What are some of your other passions?
Perhaps one of my biggest
passions is to become a published writer – my own book not featured in the
publications of others. I am pursuing this passion through blogging and other
written work. Hopefully, a book by Harriet Mupungu will hit bookstores soon.
How did it feel being nominated as Blogger of
the Year for the ZIWA?
It is always lovely to be
recognized and appreciated for the little efforts we make
Any advice to Zimbabwe Women?
My advice to all women is
for them to know, to value and to never compromise on their worth.
What are some of the hindrances to women
succeeding?
Our society has plenty
economic, political, social, cultural and religious barriers that continue to
hinder the progress in the empowering of women. The greatest is poverty of
opportunities. The best way to overcome this is to continue making noise
through the right channels until we are heard. Silence is not golden when
fighting oppression.
The Legacy of True Beauty Team
#Features Writer Malebo Moloto
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