From struggle to legacy: safeguarding Zimbabwe’s women liberation heritage

Author

Marima, Getrude

Title

From struggle to legacy: safeguarding Zimbabwe’s women liberation heritage

Abstract

This study examines how the contributions of women to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle are remembered, preserved, and represented in historical and cultural heritage discourses. It places particular emphasis on strategies to enhance the visibility and protection of this often-overlooked dimension of national memory. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews with war veterans, historians, museum officials, and young people. The findings reveal that, despite women’s critical roles in the liberation movement as fighters, messengers, nurses, and organizers their contributions remain largely underrepresented in official narratives, public commemorations, and institutional memory. Respondents highlighted several barriers to preserving this heritage, including the dominance of male-centred histories, inadequate documentation efforts, limited academic attention, and weak institutional support. To address these challenges, the study recommends a range of strategies: launching oral history projects focused on women’s experiences, integrating women's liberation stories into educational curricula, leveraging digital storytelling platforms, fostering community-driven archiving practices, and reinforcing national heritage policies to be more inclusive of gendered narratives. The research concludes that the effective preservation of women’s liberation heritage requires a coordinated, inclusive, and multi-pronged approach that brings together government bodies, academic institutions, cultural organizations, and local communities. Recognizing and safeguarding this heritage not only promotes historical justice but also enriches the broader national identity and collective memory. By making women’s liberation stories more visible and accessible, Zimbabwe can build a more comprehensive and equitable account of its past, thereby strengthening the foundations for future generations to understand and appreciate the full scope of the liberation struggle.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Women Liberation Heritage

Struggle to Legacy

Supervisor

Dr. M. Mavesera