ZIMU, Intwasa honour women in arts at Women, Wine and Words event

The event was designed to celebrate women’s creativity and foster gender equality in the music and cultural sectors.

ZIMU president Edith Katiji said the collaboration aimed to provide a meaningful platform for women to showcase their artistic abilities, share personal experiences, and build professional networks within the creative industry. She said the initiative reflected a broader effort to promote inclusion and recognition for women artists who continue to play an important role in Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape.

“This event represents a space where women can freely express themselves, connect with one another, and highlight their contributions to the creative sector,” Katijia said. “Through platforms like this, we are amplifying women’s voices and helping address long-standing gender disparities in the music industry.”

The showcase featured performances by several female artists, including Tina Watyoka, Um’Africakazi, Vuyo Brown, Rute Mbangwa and Lioness Shumbakadzi. According to Katiji, the participation of these musicians not only celebrated women’s artistic achievements but also served as a powerful reminder of the need for greater gender balance in the sector.

She noted that Women, Wine and Words was designed to inspire younger women seeking to pursue careers in the arts. “By seeing other women succeed in these spaces, young artists gain the confidence and motivation to follow their own creative aspirations,” she said. “It is important that they have visible role models and access to supportive networks.”

Despite the progress made, Katiji acknowledged that structural and cultural barriers continue to limit women’s participation in the music industry. She cited underrepresentation in leadership roles, persistent gender bias, and limited access to resources and funding as major challenges. “Many women still face stereotypes that affect how their work is perceived, and this has an impact on their professional growth,” she said.

To counter these challenges, ZIMU continues to advocate for gender-sensitive policies, mentorship opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving women’s representation in all areas of the music industry.

Looking ahead, Katiji said she hoped Women, Wine and Words would expand in future editions, offering more opportunities for female artists to engage and collaborate. “We want to see the platform grow and have a deeper impact, not just as an annual event but as a movement that promotes empowerment and equality,” she said.

She added that the long-term goal was to establish a legacy that continues to shape Zimbabwe’s arts landscape. “Our vision is for this event to stand as a symbol of women’s strength, creativity and leadership in the cultural sector for generations to come.”