Zimbabwean women creatives and their Iranian counterparts held a successful two-day cultural exchange program in Harare last week, sharing artistic works and cultural experiences while learning from one another.
By Dickson Bandera
This initiative, titled “Bridging Cultures through Knowledge and Art”, was organized by the Women Writers Support Network- Africa, founded by renowned author and journalist Sympathy Mangwenya, and was funded by the Cultural Centre of Iran in Zimbabwe.
The program attracted a diverse audience, including poets, visual artists, writers, government officials, journalists, and students from various secondary schools eager to learn about culture.
Sympathy Mangwenya described the event as an effort to promote cultural exchange and collaboration between Iran and Zimbabwe.
“The most important thing on this programme was promoting cultural exchange, mutual respect, and partnership.
“Day one saw over 170 women gathering for a more intimate exchange that delved deeply into the cultural heritage,” she said.
A delegation from Iran traveled to Zimbabwe for this knowledge and skills exchange, underscoring the program’s significance to both nations.
Dr. Zahra Sadat Mirhashemi, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Alzahra University in Tehran, delivered an insightful overview of women’s roles in Iran’s religious and societal context. She also outlined opportunities for international students within Iran’s higher education system and the importance of cross-cultural learning.
Dr. Mirhashemi also discussed Iran’s contributions to science, medicine, and philosophy, providing valuable connections to Iranian universities to enhance understanding of the academic landscape of Iran.
Parvaneh Amirian, founder and director of the Panian Sewing Design and Handicrafts School, shared insights on Iranian ecotourism and the relationship between culture, nature, and sustainability.
She discussed how Iranian fashion embodies resistance and cultural expression, showcasing deep narratives within design. Amirian also explored opportunities for Zimbabwean designers in the Iranian market, paving the way for collaboration.
On the second day, various local creatives showcased their ingenuity in visual arts and literature, drawing over 360 attendees at the National Arts Gallery in Harare.
The Kuwana brothers, Lovemore and Chido, cultural curators dedicated to documenting Zimbabwe’s rich heritage, presented books highlighting local cultural stories. The two brothers are playing a big role in curating and preserving Zimbabwe cultural heritage and influencing the contemporary Zimbabwean society to learn and appreciate their culture and heritage.
Mutare-born artist Joseph Nyakwenga (31) exhibited a visual design incorporating jeans, newspapers, and acrylic paint, while Iranians too showcased various Iranian cultural items.
Iranian art characterized by its rich history and diversity, featuring intricate Persian miniature paintings, revered calligraphy, and beautifully crafted carpets was also exhibited giving Zimbabweans a feel of the Iranian culture.
Renowned gospel musician and environmental activist Pax Gomo, accompanied by her daughter Elshadai, delivered a stellar performance featuring two songs—one dedicated to Iran and another to Palestine.
The event also saw the launch of Sisters Across Borders, a book where Zimbabwean writers collaborated with Iranian creatives. This collection embraces various forms of art, including short stories, poetry, illustrations in paintings, photographs, and graphic design.
The book explores themes of heritage, sisterhood, diversity, the success stories of women in Iran and Africa, solidarity with women suffering in Palestine, and shared experiences across borders.
Participants who received certificates for their involvement include Catherine Murombedzi, Perpetual Gonese, Yvonne Ndove, Memory Macheza, Lillian Magodi, Mercy Moyo, Wayne Chiripanyanga and Catherine Mutepfa, among others.
“The competition ran from April, and those who received certificates today got published in the Zimbabwe section. The book features Iranian and Zimbabwean women contributors,” Mangwenya said.
The Women Writers Support Network – Africa empowers female writers in Zimbabwe by fostering a community that encourages self-expression and creativity. Through workshops and mentorship programs, the network promotes the use of writing as a tool for social change, amplifying women’s voices and diverse narratives while helping writers thrive and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
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