Story behind women awards

When she left Bulawayo for the diaspora, she was just chasing her big dreams. Lindani Moyo (LM) found circumstances in the community around her that inspired her to come up with an organisation that looks at African women who possess inner strength that makes them stand tall in the face of any adversity.

The Black Africa Women Rock Awards were born out of a need to celebrate the African woman. H-METRO’S TATENDA CHIPUNGUDZANYE (TC) caught up with her.

The awards followed the realisation that nothing much was being done to recognise the African woman. The BAWR foundation took this opportunity to start the awards which enter their second year this year.

TC: WHO IS LINDANI MOYO?

LM; Lindani Moyo (Masuku ) is a young mother of two boys, I was raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, I moved to the United Kingdom in the late 90’s. My educational background is counselling cause i am passionate about talking and helping people change their lives.

TC; WHY THE BAWR?

LM ; I founded Black African Women Rock in 2013, the passion behind starting the organisation was mainly based on my life experienced a lot, heard friends sharing a lot about familiar things like domestic violence, lack of self-esteem and confidence and always starting something something but never seeing the end results due to fear.

I also bled at how women are always the great pulling down of another women instead of helping and encouraging so i thought the best way to tackle this was to form an organisation where women can meet, create awareness and enlightenment.

When I started the BAWR Foundation, I saw it as the beginning of something and laying a strong foundation for everything to grow. Then the idea of the BAWR awards came along as i thought honouring women at the end the year will be a great initiative.

After a year of hard work, recognising and honouring women would be such a rewarding end to a fruitful year for them and me of course.

TC; WHAT’S YOUR MAIN GOAL

LM; At the moment my focus is building BAWR and to build the brand and introduce products to help fund-raise towards the fund we need to start empowerment in Africa. At the moment I am personally funding towards the work, so it will be great for the work to build some source to help finance the work.

I support other charity events and businesses here and planning on collaborating with a couple of organisations in the future to bring positive development among African women here and in Africa. BAWR will soon be reaching out to Zimbabwe, the main target is women in general and focusing more on younger women as they need that guiding and mentoring.

BAWR is brand on its own that focuses on empowering those that need the platform. I look at other organisations as my sister-organisations where I can learn, implement, improve and teach others. I strongly believe and practice sisterhood.

A sister should never be seen as a completion, but helper whose safe hands one can hold to help them cross the stormy seas and encourage each other.

TC; ANY SUPPORT FROM ZIMBABWEANS?

LM ‘Yes the support has been overwhelming I am grateful and will keep calling for more support and unity to grow this brand; it’s something we should all be proud of. Zimlink have been so amazing throughtout the growth and movement of BAWR, I really appreciate the support they have given me up to date.

SPONSORS ARE SO HARD TO FIND WHEN AN ORGANISATION sets out. This year, we have seen a lot more people warming up and offering support financially which is really positive. I have learnt to continue with the vision and keep pushing till everyone sees where we are coming from. My faith has matured, I have learnt to keep crawling till I get to where God has directed me. I will say to you all, whatever it is that you dream of doing, its your vision take it and run with it,even if you alone, the rightful doors will open at the right time. Don’t give up

TC; LAST WORDS?

LM; Come all to the Antoinette hotel and be part of an epic event celebrating African goodness. Kingston Upon Thames in London UK, will be set agog this coming weekend, 28 November, 2015 when all hard working community leading Zimbabwe women are also nominated for their work. We all deserve to be celebrated and honoured. THANK YOU!

Source: H Metro