Venerva The Brave
Venerva the Brave The Badjao tradition is to marry early and the woman then leaves school and stays in the home while the man goes
Giveth worked in a garage in Harare. Giveth explained, “It is difficult being a young girl in Zimbabwe, where good role models are rare. We have to depend on our own emotional strength to make good and positive choices. There is no support for us. Many young women have a poor attitude towards life and believe that they need someone to take care of them. They do not realise the importance of establishing their own independence.”
Giveth Mambo graduated from Young Africa in 2013. She was 23yrs old. Giveth completed a National Foundation Certificate in Car Mechanics. Giveth worked hard to challenge gender bias to get to where she is now. She believes in hard work saying that “young people should not sit at home, they have to be responsible and work for their success”. Through hard work and dedication, Giveth has paved her own future and success.
Giveth worked in a garage in Harare. Giveth explained, “It is difficult being a young girl in Zimbabwe, where good role models are rare. We have to depend on our own emotional strength to make good and positive choices. There is no support for us. Many young women have a poor attitude towards life and believe that they need someone to take care of them. They do not realise the importance of establishing their own independence.”
Giveth’s father told her, “Giveth, always remember that you have to make the best choices for yourself”. Those words stayed with her like a magic spell. She knew the importance of being independent, making one’s own life and to be treated with respect by family and society.
It was unusual to be a car mechanic but it didn’t stop Giveth. Giveth said, “I did not want the stereotypical profession that was expected of me. I believe that the influence of gender role stereotypes in Zimbabwe promotes low self-esteem, lack of confidence and lack of support at home and in the work place. I wanted to break the stereotype and become empowered to make my own decisions and choose a career that would be challenging. It was an easy choice to make but it was a difficult one to fulfill.”
Giveth’s father supported her wholeheartedly but her mother had reservations. When Giveth began class she highlights, “I was pleasantly surprised and inspired as there were six girls enrolled in the course. Our teacher Mr. Mugai was very encouraging and patient with us. He respected us for our keen interest in motor mechanics.”
Giveth was passionate in class and the boys in class were smart enough to recognise that. Giveth explained, “If boys from other courses made negative comments, my male classmates always told them to back off. They would say “Hey! She may look small, but she is smarter than you!” There are times when my physical strength fails me and people may put me down, but I do not let it affect me. I know that my gender does not affect my ability, and I have proven that.”
You can help more young women like Giveth to live a sustainable life through dignified work. Your donation helps SERVE continue the work with our partners in Zimbabwe and in other countries who work closely with youth – the hope for our future.
Investing in youth is investing in the future. You can safeguard the hope for our future by donating to SERVE regularly.
You are part of the solution.
Venerva the Brave The Badjao tradition is to marry early and the woman then leaves school and stays in the home while the man goes
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