Tanyaradzwa Daringo Interview

Tanyaradzwa Daringo is a 21 year old woman of essence, Journalist and Law student at the University of Namibia, raised in the beautiful capital city of Namibia, Windhoek.A realist, dreamer, LOVER of poetry and believer who strongly has faith the size of a mustard seed. Young and passionate about Gender Equality and Women Rights my work in the sector as well as one of the four founders of Her Liberty Namibia continues to prove this.

“I aspire to see a world were girls and young women no longer feel oppressed and confined within their own skin, a world were women’s rights are EQUAL RIGHTS and a world were fewer and fewer people are infected by the horrors of their circumstances, but rather IMPACTED enough to WANT to make a difference!!”

Please tell us about Her Liberty Namibia?

Her Liberty Namibia (HLN) is a young feminist organization aimed at empowering young girls and women working towards gender equality in Namibia. We aim to develop young women by encouraging them to develop as women, leaders and equal members of Namibian society. We are creating an enabling environment in which young women can advocate for themselves and act as catalysts for change in Namibia’s society and various communities.

We as, Her Liberty Namibia strive to be a pivotal and active young feminist organization uniting women and creating awareness of issues including sexuality, self-worth, gender equality, and human rights and achieve this by examining social roles and life experiences of women from all regions of Namibia.

Why women?

Examining the current situation of women in Namibia, women have emerged from a history of suppression, discernment, marginalization and general disempowerment. It has been 23 years since our independence; and with constitutional and legal frameworks in place, Namibian women have progressively moved towards redefining and reaffirming their status and role in the independent Namibia, however the women’s movement or achievements are not easily recognizable

In light of the above, women are becoming perceptible in public and daily life by wielding their influence in social and political domains, and women organizations, private corporations, public administrations, non-governmental organizations (NGO), donor agencies and interested individuals have become more involved in the issue of women liberation.

When did it start? What motivated you to start this project?

Founded in November 2012, Her Liberty Namibia was motivated by a heated car conversation between myself and one of our four founding members.

After months of volunteering within the movement in Namibia and not seeing progress – we wanted to be a part of an organization that ACTED as oppose to looking lovely on paper, an organization that was transparent and inclusive, one that was going to be accountable and that was where Her Liberty Namibia’s journey began…

What is the purpose this project?

• Empower and create an understanding among young girls and women about principles of feminism by promoting and encouraging independence and self-sufficiency
• Enhance and strengthen their skills and knowledge about the Namibian feminist movement
• Develop necessary programs and projects that advocate gender rights and equality, especially sexual reproductive health and rights
• Create a safe and enabling environment for young Namibian feminists
• Provide young girls and women a space/platform to present and advocate for themselves key issues affecting their social and socio-economic situation
• Contribute to the service delivery, policy and legal reform processes within Namibia

What do you want to achieve with project?

Her Liberty Namibia envisions a society, in solidarity of feminism and equal equity for women, that will foster an empowering atmosphere where women are equally respected and young Namibian feminists can confidently advocate for all issues that affect their livelihoods.

What were some of the challenges you faced as a young person starting your own project?

I am almost certain this is universal…the juggling between academics, work, the organization and lack of faith from those we cherish the most is what was most painful within my experience…I knew WHAT it is i wanted to do, however getting it on paper so that the person next to me can understand was a mission on its on. At that point in time i realized the voices in my head needed to assist me, because they were the only ones that knew what i needed to say – including but not limited to identifying key people that believed in the mandate of the organization whilst trying to ignore constant criticism.

How has your community benefited from the project?

The young feminist movement in Namibia is alive – and Her Liberty Namibia is to thank for that, With just under 200 likes in less than 3months on our Facebook page – a website HerLibertyAtWork.com – that aims towards enabling self-sufficient young women in Namibia, a 2minute Noodle Winter Initiative and a diverse executive committee – We have given our various communities reasons to smile again…and THIS is only the beginning…Namibian young women have a story to tell, and the world has started to listen.

You were selected for the 2013 MILEAD Fellowship, how was the process and how do you feel about this?

Wow!!! Think sleepless nights, lengthy Skype calls and constant Facebook stalking…i must say If anything the waiting and secrecy is the worst.

I remember reading the first email (Phase 2 shortlist) from the MILEAD selection committee with one eye open because of the time difference and completely switching to “Owl Mode”.

Being selected as the 2nd fellow ever to represent Namibia, i am humbled and carry an immense amount of gratitude, with that i too am aware of the amount of responsibility that has been bestowed upon me, and at only 21 i strongly believe i am the boost many of our young women needed. I have dedicated my life to the rights of women in particular young women and the girl child and this life changing opportunity is one i have prayed long and hard for so i sincerely Thank the MILEAD team for seeing a leader within me.

Your project focused extensively on leadership; do you feel this is an area of grave concern in Africa? If so what type of leadership does Africa need?

Certainly, however with that in mind – we have some extremely commendable leaders, however women representation is not enough,and as much as we try disguise this, the reality is that reasons root back to culture and so-called societal norms.

We need Strong (and i do not mean physically) women leaders.

You are also a radio personality, please share more.

Walking into a staff meeting and requesting for a slot on air was what go me into radio, Having studied Journalism, the only experience i ever had with radio was a distant memory of my lecturer jokingly saying we all had faces for radio – not realizing this was far from a compliment, i smiled.

The childhood memories of radio are those i cherish dearly and i knew COMMUNITY RADIO was the medium i needed to use in order to be the change agent i wanted to be…from forgetting to turn my mic on for an entire 46mins of my show to having my mic on during a personal conversation – I cannot even begin to share my wonderful journey in radio…

Coming from Namibia what would you like to see improve in the country?

We are fortunate to be in such a beautiful country with absolutely amazing policies, however we as a country lack when it comes to implementing these frameworks – we have a tendency to become tolerant of a lot of things and sadly quickly lose interest in crucial issues. Our young women lack confidence and rely on being empowerment as oppose to liberating self, and this to me is unsettling.

What are you listening to?

Q.U.E.E.N – Janelle Monae ft Erykah Badu

Sunrise – Norah Jones…I just cannot get enough of this one.

Onjila Yetu – Blossom

Neria – Oliver Mutukudzi (my all time favourite)

What book have you read that has shaped your line of thought in a huge way?

Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga

Who are your top African role models?

• Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, is the name that stands out for me.
• Chinua Achebe

What are your top three hang out spots in Namibia?

Hmmm, very interesting question indeed. Honestly, I LOVE LIVE MUSIC and POETRY, I wouldnt be able to name 3 Top hang out spots however there is a lovely little place called Garlic and Flower which i am convinced is my happy place, not forgetting the THEATRE!!!

What advice do you have for young people who want to start their own project?

I strongly believe when one believes in something so passionately all obstacles are transformed into opportunities. We as young people need to be the ones that speak out for one another, for no one understands our stories better than we do so GO for it!!! Ask for help, be eager to to learn, and remember No simply means “Not today!!!”

How one can get involved in the project?

Getting involved within Her Liberty Namibia, we at HLN are always excited when approached by volunteers, as an organization we are constantly brainstorming for innovative initiatives and campaigns that our members would enjoy and want to assist in. There is an unexplainable sense of satisfaction in voluntary work and i would strongly advice every one to lend a helping hand where you can, help young children with their reading, help plant vegetables, offer to buy stationary…the little things… Change a life for the better!