Mzimba Ngoni open up to empower women

The Ngonis of Mzimba District appear to have bowed down to pressure from women’s rights defenders to empower women against a background of a culture that regards men as superior to women.

For the first time in the history of the Jere Ngoni of Mzimba, during this year’s annual cultural festival, Umtheto, the theme of the commemoration was centred on the role of women and culture.

Prior to this year’s seventh Umtheto celebrations on Saturday, there was also a two-day conference which tackled issues on governance, women and youth empowerment.

These developments puzzled moderator of the Livingstonia Synod of the CCAP, the Reverend John Gondwe, who wondered in his sermon why the Ngoni women are not given leadership roles as well.

He said: “I am even wondering that this year’s theme is centred on women.”

But in his speech, Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa V said the Ngonis only follow their traditions.

He said: “[Ngoni] women do not inherit chieftaincy because we just follow our traditions. This is what our parents were doing, but people should not think we violate women’s rights as everyone who is married would agree with me that women play a big advisory role.”

The Ngoni paramount chief said a report from the conference will be presented to the Mzimba Chiefs’ Council to find ways of addressing the challenges.

Earlier, chairperson of the Mzimba Heritage Association Boston Soko reminded the gathering that Ngoni women used to be influential in the past when they played a role of kingmakers.

In her speech, Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Service Cecilia Chazama said most cultures in the country uphold taboos and superstitious beliefs which do not promote women empowerment and retard development. n