Writer
Kim Mukwa
91 stories
The Dark Side of My Knees
As I look down at my knees, I'm reminded of the pain and insecurity that have followed me for so long. The dark colour of my knees, a constant reminder of the abuse I suffered as a child, has become a symbol of my deepest insecurities.
A Mother’s Plea to Find Her Missing Daughter
Imagine going through an entire day not knowing what happened to your only child. This is the nightmare that Letty Mpofu is living through.
How This Survivor Used ‘Healing Through Language’ As a Form of Therapy
Tracy Masocha, a published author and survivor of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, is advocating writing as a form of therapy towards healing.
Story Update: A Dream Come True for Flavour Joy
Do you remember Queen Joy Katwesige? The remarkable multi-award-winning advocate with a mission to see a generation free of stigma and gender-based violence. Well, we have an exciting update for you. We first introduced Queen Joy, also known as Favour Joy, to you back in January. At the time, she was living in the orphanage where she had grown up with about 40 other children. H
Inspiration: Meet Boxing Champion Monica 'Savage' Mkandla
Monica Mkandla, the recently crowned champion of the World Boxing Association Pan Africa Bantamweight, is a 25-year-old Zimbabwean boxer who lives in South Africa.
Everyday Sheros: Iris Nozizwe Zemza Mhlanga
Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust was formally established in 2018 by lris Nozizwe Zemza Mhlanga, a pharmacologist turned philanthropist.
How I Found the Courage to Leave a Polygamous Marriage and Pursue My Dreams
At the age of 15, Mary became the fourth wife to a man three times her age. It later became evident that this was not the life for her. She wanted more out of life and dreamed of going back to school. Today, she stands on the other side of that dream having achieved an impressive 20 points in her Advanced Level exams last year. She desires to pursue a degree in law. This is her
I Started School at 14; Now I Hold a Degree and Run a Business
Business started early for Beatrice Mulanshi. She started out as a kidpreneur who began baking and selling at the age of ten to help her mother put food on the table and hopefully raise enough to pay her school tuition. She now runs a small business called Prestigious Scone.
Everyday Sheros: Cathrine Banda
Cathrine Banda has embarked on a solo philanthropic mission of improving her community one step at a time. With a great vision and a big heart, she has become the go-to person in her community whenever there is a need.
Meet HIV/AIDS Activist Who is Living Boldly and Victoriously
My name is Joy Katwesige, also known as Favour Joy across social media platforms. l am a woman born and living with HIV.
How Trusting God’s Leading Led Me To Purpose & A Thriving Ministry
If there is one thing I know it's that each time God gives us an assignment, He will always provide for it.
My Journey to Motherhood As an HIV+ Woman
Every HIV-positive woman wants to bear an HIV-negative child, and because of improved science, it is indeed possible to have an HIV-negative child as long as your viral load is undetectable.
From Kidpreneur to Seasoned Businesswoman: Navigating Success & Heartbreak
Pretty Dube has become a popular face in the streets of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, over the years with her trolley of lunch boxes filled with colourful sweets and a smile to go with it.
Award-winning Businesswoman Victoria Gazi Takes Us Back to the Beginning
Victoria Gazi is a dynamic, accomplished yet humble 26-year-old entrepreneur who describes herself as an accountant by profession, a marketer at heart, and an entrepreneur by choice. She runs three businesses and was the second runner-up in the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Businesswoman of the Year award for Matabeleland South.
Rumbidzai Mutendera: How I Found Restoration & Purpose After Divorce
Finding out that my husband had another woman when l was pregnant with our second child really broke me. All l wanted was a successful marriage, and so l prayed for God's intervention in the hopes that my husband would relent and come back to me. But that was not the case. Clearly, God had other plans to restore me to the person l was born to be.
Losing My Love 30 Days Before Our Wedding
Memory Matsvimbo is a woman who has risen from grief and became someone she never thought she could be. This is her story:
Consolata Kapuya Talks Living Authentically and Loving God Passionately
The above is an excerpt from one of Consolata Kapuya’s books, I Am Authentic. Her passion for God is palpable; her life is an open book, which makes her as authentic as one can get.
Leading with Pride, Passion & Poetry
Chidadiso Francesca Mbazo, whose first name means 'my pride' in the Shona language, is young but already making waves in her chosen field, the Arts. Driven by passion, she has proved that nothing will deter her.
Award-winning Coach Jessie Mhaka Opens up About Overcoming Clinical Depression, Anxiety & Chronic Stress
Jessie’s journey is one of compounded strength. She recently shared with The Weight She Carries how she has survived clinical depression, an anxiety disorder and chronic stress.
How I Started a Business with Just $20
Many men and women are becoming business owners and making a mark in their chosen industries. We spoke to a young woman named Rumbidzai Patricia Marodza, who became an entrepreneur after her marriage almost fell apart due to strained finances in the home. This is her story:
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - Growing up an Orphan
The other day l was giving out a lecture to my son on how blessed he is for having two parents living together because l never had that. I insist that he be grateful and thank God for that beautiful blessing, we might not have much or be able to provide him with everything that he needs at the moment but nonetheless, he should look around him and be thoughtful of others without
TWSC Story Update: Constance Garawaziva - "Opportunity Met me at my Lowest"
We first got to know Constance Garawaziva back in 2020 when she shared her story of healing from heartbreak and tragedy. If you missed her story, you'll want to read it first here. Constance is back with us today to give us an update on some new developments in her life.
Everyday Sheros: Fadzai Mavindidze Creating Smiles and Opportunities for Underprivileged Kids
My name is Fadzai Mavindidze, born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I am a mother of three. For the past 10 years, I have been living and working in the corporate world in the United States. But as they say, home is where the heart is, and that is the case for me.
A Second Chance at Life – Pt 2: Finding Love as an HIV+ Woman
A couple of weeks ago, Precious Mwewa Kaniki shared her story of contracting HIV at age 14 and struggling to adhere to treatment until a medical crisis jolted her into action.
My Passion Paved the Way
Lynn Mazerenganwa is a multi-talented woman who isn't afraid to go after her dreams. Her love for public speaking led to a remarkable opportunity that changed her life. She opened up to The Weight She Carries about how, at just 26, her passion, dedication and hard work opened doors for her.
A Second Chance at Life
I tested positive when I was just 14 years old. Honestly, it came as a huge shock to me, and I quickly went into denial mode, which caused me to withdraw from all my family and friends. I was very lonely. There was no one to talk to.
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - What's in your Hand
August is my birthday month. It's times like these that really get me thinking about how far I have come and how much I have grown, not only physically but mentally, socially and spiritually.
Everyday Sheroes: Thandeka Mahlangu - Using Art to Transform my Community
My talent to draw was revealed very early in my life. At school I would always draw better than anyone. Even if I had tried to take art seriously at the time, there was not enough money for me to get the proper tools to work with, and there was no art shop to begin with. And so I used whatever I could find to draw.
"I Started High School at 20; Now I have a PhD in Commercial Law"
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. (Psalm 126:5) That's the scripture I thought of when I listened to Dr Julieth's story. My eyes filled with tears as she narrated to The Weight She Carries how her journey towards her doctorate has been.
Undeterred: Zimbabwean Musician Chipo Muchegwa
As l was lazily scrolled through Facebook one day, l came across a video and was so moved by this young lady's voice that l knew I had to speak to her. Chipo Muchegwa was born without arms and has short limbs, but this has not deterred her from making her mark in the music industry.
My Journey with HIV & Surviving Cervical Cancer
My name is Precious Shongwe. I am from Eswatini, a woman openly living with HIV and a mother of two adorable kids: a boy aged 16 and a girl aged 9. I am also an activist and a cervical cancer survivor.
A Woman's Candid Battle with Depression, Anxiety & PTSD
Sasha Lee was knocked down but got up. She decided to not be bitter but to be brave, keep fighting and see the good. She didn’t let the hard stuff win. Sasha comes back to share her most candid experiences with depression and anxiety
Loyiso Lindani on How HIV Saved her Life
We have all encountered heroes at some point in our lives: people who exude power, confidence and truth. Loyiso Lindani is one such hero to not only me but to many of those who have met her. Loyiso has managed to turn a challenging situation into a powerful story of survival, self-realisation and self-acceptance. She shared with The Weight She Carries how HIV saved her life.
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - Love
As I was walking past a shop window in town, I was reminded that we are in the month of love. Red outfits, red roses, red wine – everything red!
Everyday Sheros: Right to Mobility Founder Shares How She Stumbled into Charity Work
Yvonne Chikasha personifies the above quote by the wonderful and courageous work she is doing. She shared with The Weight She Carries how it all came together.
Multi-award Winning Model Ayanda Candice Sibanda: Learning to Love my Imperfections
Ayanda Candice Sibanda, a multi-award winning model and activist, narrates to The Weight She Carries how she has learned to embrace her imperfections despite what society had to say.
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - My Growth
Personal growth to me means understanding who you are and what you are all about; taking small steps towards becoming the best version of yourself physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and even socially.
Smiling Through Pain: Marvelous Fungurani’s Journey with Fibroids
Many women have uterine fibroids at some point during their lifetime. But you may not know you have them because they often do not present symptoms. Some women, though, have had to deal with more severe symptoms just like Marvelous Fungurani, who has lived with such symptoms for some years now.
Forgiving The Father Who Violated Me
My name Zizo Izabelo zam Apleni, which means “These are my shares”, given to me by my maternal grandmother. My mum had me when she was in university, but my father denied the pregnancy, and so I became my maternal grandparents’ child. It is a very loving family: secure, warm and loving. At Christmas, everyone gathers at home for a big celebration where we share our dreams and a
TWSC Submission: Trusting God After Loss
Grief does not quickly go away. It took me some time to accept that I had indeed lost my first child. It really pains me to this day when I look at the scar which now remains a painful reminder of my loss. I got married in December 2019, and a few months later we found out we were pregnant. Both [my husband and I] were very excited about the new addition to the family.
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - A Different Kind of Grief
When I was told that the month of October was going to focus on grief, it gave me a lot to think about as one who has lost loved ones as well as other things.
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - It was Rape, Actually
Today’s topic is one that is difficult to wrap one’s head around but is sadly happening every single day. Sexual assault is often perceived as a straight issue: men raping women. Woman-to-woman rape and sexual assault globally remains unaddressed. How does a woman rape another woman? Or simply put, how does a woman rape?
TWSC Submission: Severe Trauma Triggered My Fibromyalgia
Growing up, I have experienced a tremendous amount of trauma, from physical, emotional and even sexual trauma. I come from a broken family. My parents divorced when I was young. During their marriage, there was constant fighting between them, and it got physical at times. Their divorce was inevitable, and so my mother, brother and I moved into a flat.
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor -Grieving Over a Lost Childhood
In my pictorial archives, there are two pictures that remind me of a time I would rather forget. Each time I look at them, I just want to reach out and wrap my arms around that little girl and tell her everything will be alright. I grieve for the little girl I see in the photos. I go back to that time and shiver.
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - The Danger of Unresolved Trauma
If you have experienced what I have been through, you find that it’s so easy to lose yourself. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of life. It’s easy to just become a piece of debris floating aimlessly along life. In that kind of state, one can find themselves attracting more abuse and pain. For example, because of my childhood sexual violation, I had rampant sexual experiences in
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - It Was Never About Me
Many of my childhood memories are painful reminders of what I have had to endure. As others would lovingly reminisce on their blissful childhoods, I would often be stuck between a rock and a hard place about whether to lie and recount sunshine and ice cream or tell the truth.
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - The Circle of Women
Throughout my life, I have had quite a number of mother figures. They’re a strong breed of women who have instilled in me the value of prayer, faith and persistence. In spite of that, the desire to hear what advice my mum would give me for every transitional phase of my life still lingers every day.
TWSC Submission: Pregnant and Alone - How I Found Love After Being Rejected by my Family & Child's Father
My name is Portia* and I am 38 years old. I come from Gokwe, Zimbabwe. Growing up, I have faced quite a number of challenges, one of which was falling pregnant at a young age of 22 out of wedlock. I was childish at the time because when I was around five months pregnant, my aunt, who I was staying with at the time, is the one who noticed that I was pregnant even though I had tr
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - Shame
Footprints of a Survivor is a weekly column written by Kim Mukwa, a survivor of childhood physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Each week, she reveals the layers of pain she lived through, the damage it caused and the steps she is taking to heal emotionally.
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - The Motherless Daughter
For me, this has been my life. Like I said before, my mother left me as a baby but would often visit. Although I do not remember much of it, I do remember sitting on her lap, being fed by her, and it was my throne. I also recall a time when she brought me a little purse filled with coins as well as a green petticoat. I was between 5 and 6 years old, so you can understand why I
TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - An Introduction to Kim Mukwa
I am Kim Mukwa, born in 1988. I am a mother and wife and also a survivor of childhood physical, sexual and emotional trauma. My story is one of pain, horror, disbelief and a thousand questions without answers. And so, I really try to go through life the best way I know how, and that is to seek a place of healing and understanding. Basically, I’m taking it one day at a time, rid
Author Amanda Tayte-Tait Opens up About Childhood Abuse & Inspiration Behind Recent Book
Eventually, my family found out through my boyfriend, who I had confided in. Everything went crazy at that point. A blame game went on between my father and mother. My mother even had to travel to South Africa to confront the person. The police got involved. I was barraged with questions, are you sure there was penetration? being a pretty consistent one. I did not know what the
Award-winning Model Ayanda Candice Sibanda: How I Rose Above Bullying & Discrimination Due to Albinism
This is a mantra that Ayanda Candice Sibanda, a phenomenal young woman, has lived by through every ordeal she has faced. She has faced bullying and discrimination but has managed to come out on top. Ayanda spoke to The Weight She Carries about how life has been for this award-winning model.
Undeterred: Marvelous Fungurani's Inspiring Journey to Earning Her University Degrees
Marvelous Fungurani walked The Weight She Carries through how mercy rewrote her life and how she herself had to make painful sacrifices to reach her goals of attaining an education. She narrated how the journey has been so far.
How Ropafadzo Banhwa Rewrote Her Story and Become a Marathon Runner
Ropafadzo Banhwa, due to a tragic event, found comfort in food. Although she has a fitness journey that spans from 2013 up to now, she shared with The Weight She Carries how her journey has been to this point.
Desiree-Anne Martin Shares Her Battle and Recovery from Drugs and Alcohol
Desiree Ann Martin has conquered substance abuse, alcoholism and a whole lot more and lived to tell the story. She recently opened up to The Weight She Carries about how she chose life in the face of a slow but certain death. This is her story in her own words.
How This Woman Learned to Embrace her Changing Appearance
Lebbeii Sibonokuhle Maseko noticed some discolouration on her skin in 2014 but didn't think much of it. The single mother of three later learned she had vitiligo, a condition in which the pigment cells of the skin, melanocytes, are destroyed in certain areas.
Finding Love as a Single Mom of 5 After an Abusive Marriage
Caroline Gulubani grew up in Bulawayo and has two younger siblings who live in Victoria Falls. They later relocated to the resort town of Victoria Falls, which is where she attended school. It was after completing secondary school that she met her first husband. She narrated to The Weight She Carries what transpired in her first marriage. This is her story:
Playwright Thembi Moyo Shares How She Emerged Stronger After Her Greatest Pain
Thembi Moyo, an internationally acclaimed playwright, shared with The Weight She Carries how she managed to let the pain of her loss shape her into the woman she has now become. She walked us through her journey.
TWSC Submission: How I Picked Myself up After Tragedy and Heartache
Constance Gwarawaziva, a 35-year-old single mother of two beautiful children, has had the odds against her time and time again. But with tears in her eyes and determination in her heart, she has overcome by investing in herself under very difficult circumstances. She talked to The Weight She Carries and walked us through her journey so far
How Sarah Takawira Rebuilt Her Life After Domestic Abuse
Sarah Takawira is a twin born in a family of six. Although she hails from Chipinge, a small town in Zimbabwe, she now resides in Harare, the capital city. After failing her O Levels, her father told her that she would not be repeating her studies. Instead, she would have to wait to get married.
TWSC Submission: My HIV Status Does Not Define Me
It is not clear how I contracted the sickness because my boyfriend at the time [was] negative. But looking back, I think I might have gotten it from a razor cut [from a blade] that was used to cut my mom's sister who was already bedridden with AIDS.
Natural Hair Stylist & Owner of Hair by Fia Shares Tips on Caring for Your Curls
Hair by Fia was birthed out of one woman's determination to be a cut above the rest. As a natural hair advocate, she is a hairdresser who exclusively deals with hair in its natural state. Sofia Dhliwayo narrated to The Weight She Carries how it all began.
TWSC Submission: How my Marriage and Womb were Restored
Those are the words shared by Vimbai Ncube who was born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, as the youngest of four children. Because she was born during the wartime in 1973, the family had to relocate from Entumbane to Queens Park where her father worked as a cook for a white family. Entumbane had become the epicentre of the Bulawayo battle named Gukurahundi.
TWSC Submission: Losing my Sister
Sisterly bonds are one of the most powerful bonds. What happens when one loses a sister, especially one that had taken up the role of both mother and breadwinner?
Dear Woman
This is an assertion to every woman out there: You are beautiful – a beautiful beauty that radiates from within. You are more than that: you are fire, spirit and force combined. Life forces often compress and pressure you and instead of dissolving away, you come out as beautiful as a diamond! A rare diamond cooked under intense pressure.
Waiting During Unfruitful Seasons
The term "barrenness" is the state of being unproductive, infertile and even unprofitable, depending on how one wants to utilize the word. It is associated with pain, anger, humiliation as well as mental anguish to say the least.
INSPIRATION: Spoken Word Artist Racheal "Voko" Ncube Talks About Her Love of Poetry
Discovering one’s passion and living it is a success in and of itself. Racheal “Voko” Ncube has discovering that pursuing her calling has led to opportunities knocking at her door instead of her seeking them out. Juggling between an education and pursuing one’s God-given talent is very difficult for a lot of people, but not for this young lady.
Beauty Beyond Skin
Growing up, l would often hear my elders talk of how one was beautiful because of their light skin. l would in turn scrutinize the mentioned person and discover that nope, my elders were wrong. Beauty is beauty, light-skinned or not.
TWSC Submission: Surviving the Loss of my Baby
My name is Thobekile Moyo. I grew up in Gwanda but later relocated to Harare where l finished my education at Waddilove School. I am 43 and currently have three kids aged 20,12 and 15 months old. Although it is difficult to talk about, l will share my story just to help someone out there.
Redefining 'Successful Relationships'
Relationships are no walk in the park and neither are they a bed of roses if both people involved do not put effort to make it work. Imagine two totally different individuals from differing backgrounds vowing to be together for life, for better and for worse.
I Survived
Sean Kingston in his song “Beautiful Girls” sang a line, “all these beautiful girls, they only wanna do you dirt; they'll have you suicidal, suicidal when they say it’s over....” Adults and kids sang along, oblivious to what they were singing, myself included. It is only when it hit closer to home than l could ever imagine that l understood what it truly meant to be suicidal.
How a Relationship with God and the Power of a Vision Transformed Sibo Hlabangana's Life
Growing up in a country where most of the people identify as Christians, l was one of them but l did not have a personal relationship with Him. And so in my twenties, l went through my rebellion against God. At the time, l was unhappy because l felt that l had done everything right and yet He was not delivering like He was supposed to. And that is how l lost my way with God and
TWSC Submission: How the Illness and Death of My Husband Changed My Whole World
Widowhood is a painful and traumatizing experience. The death of a spouse causes mental anguish that only time can heal. Haruchemwi Nhengu narrated to The Weight She Carries how she was abandoned before and after the death of her husband by her in-laws. What follows is her account of what happened:
Daughters of Zelophehad
The Bible, the greatest book of all time, has a way of touching the heart and mind of the reader and encouraging a response. I am often uplifted and sprung into action each time l read it.
How This Single Mom of Two Rewrote Her Story
Child-headed families have become the norm over the years due to various circumstances – mostly very painful ones. Christine* narrated to The Weight She Carries how she experienced such an ordeal first-hand and came out on the other side with her first degree in hand.
Rev. Sarah Malete Discusses Raising a Child with Autism
Reverend Sarah Malete, an ordained minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, was very excited when she discovered she was expecting her fifth child. She narrated to The Weight She Carries, “When l discovered that l was expecting my fifth child, we were all excited. l even wished it would be a girl since l only had one girl. When the scan was performed and we found out it was a bo
How This Woman's Big Heart Led to a Special Relationship with a Child in Need
Despite losing two biological children, Sithembile Ncube has had the privilege of being a mother through being a caregiver to a paraplegic child. Sithembile Ncube grew up in Mberengwa where she attended school up to Grade 2. She failed to continue her education due to her parents splitting up. At a young age, she and her brother went to live with extended family members, but in
How This Teen Mom Found Her Footing as a Single Mother
Becoming pregnant at the age of 14 was never in Tecla’splans, but due to naivety and peer pressure, it happened. Tecla grew up in a small mining town in Zimbabwe calledKadoma. Her parents separated when she was three years old, so her grandparentstook care of her. By the time she was in Grade 5, she was an orphan.
The Best Advice I Received on Grieving my Mother
Losing a mother is one of the most terrible things that could ever happen to anyone no matter how old they are. Relatives and friends may try to fill the gap, but it is never the same.
You're a Great Giver; But Are You a Good Receiver?
Only when we give do we receive. Easier said than done right? All we seem to do – especially as mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and grandmothers –is give. We give of our time, strength and love, but do we ever receive? Do you ever take time to replenish what has been depleted in you?
A Second Chance
Fortunate Moyo claims her first husband abused her emotionally, financially and physically during the course of their 3-year marriage.
I'm a Warrior And Have the Scars to Prove It
Nobody is born with scars. These are things that happen during our lifetime and are a clear indication of what we have survived. They tell a story. A story that we are stronger than our pain.
A Mother's Advice to Others Grieving the Loss of a Child
"I was happy just like any normal woman would be, happy to know l was expecting and on the twenty fifth of November l gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and named him Prince. I loved him wholeheartedly,” Bubele told The Weight She Carries.
Her Metamorphosis
Every single time she was terrified of what was to come, she could not comprehend how she would ever survive, but she did. Circumstances, situations and dilemmas surrounded her, sticking out their tentacles and wanting to strangle her. But she fought back – oh, it was the fight of her life.
The Kink in My Hair
As l got older, l was actually disappointed that my hair did not grow to the length that the towel had given me as a little girl. Years rolled by and l trudged on with my regimen of straighteners and stuff. Along the way, l made an enemy named moisture!
Finding Peace After a Series of Tragic Losses
Her life had been characterized by heart-rending loss and deep pain that drove her to a mental breakdown.
Dig Deep
I look around me and see different kinds of people, but I take special notice of the women, whom l call ladies. When l see these ladies, I am often intrigued because I can relate to some of their struggles.
Finding Me
As I gaze out the window, I am reflecting on what has transpired in my short life so far and realize that it has been a mixed bag of all kinds of emotions, situations and circumstances.
Words Hurt
School was a no-go area, enemy territory in fact. Just the thought of going to school made her flinch and break out in a sweat. This is a story of friends becoming enemies, of trust betrayed. Yeah, that sort of thing.
Raised by an Abuser – How I Survived Extreme Abuse at the Hands of My Stepmother
I grew up with a stepmother, my dad and siblings both older and younger. The house was never short of people, which was really great. My older sisters would bake cakes and cupcakes as well as sew. Being in a house full of people was wonderful for me.