When did you start your business?
On the first of September 2021

What was the inspiration behind your work/business?
I have always been motivated and inspired by a variety of factors in my life. As the firstborn in my family, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to set a positive example for my siblings and make my parents proud. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been essential in keeping me motivated to push forward and continue learning. Additionally, one of my greatest inspirations is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an incredible author and feminist icon. Her powerful storytelling and thought-provoking ideas have opened my mind to new perspectives and ignited a passion within me to make a meaningful impact in the world.

What are you most excited about in your work/business?
As a feminist and passionate advocate for women empowerment, what excites me the most about my work is the opportunity to inspire and uplift women. I firmly believe that when women are empowered, they can achieve incredible things and positively impact society. Whether it's through my work or daily interactions, I strive to create pathways for women to thrive and succeed. Seeing other women achieve their goals and break barriers brings me immense joy and fulfillment. It is truly an honor to be part of a movement that aims to create a more equitable and inclusive world for all women.

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your work/business?
The most challenging thing about starting my work as a feminist has been breaking down the stereotypes and negative assumptions associated with feminism. There is often a misconception that feminists dislike men and are solely focused on women's empowerment to the exclusion of everything else. However, as a feminist, my goal is not to promote hate or division, but to advocate for equality and inclusivity for everyone, regardless of gender. Overcoming these misconceptions and promoting a more nuanced understanding of feminism has definitely been a challenging aspect of my journey.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a work/business?
Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Trust your skills, knowledge, and experiences, and know that you have what it takes to succeed. It's also crucial to surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and like-minded individuals who can provide guidance and encouragement along the way. Additionally, I would suggest being open to taking risks and embracing challenges. Starting a business can be daunting, but it's through facing these obstacles head-on that we discover our true potential and grow both personally and professionally. Finally, it's essential to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance, as this not only contributes to our overall well-being but also enables us to show up as our best selves in our work or business endeavors.

Why did you enter the Women Changing the World Awards?
I entered the Women Changing the World Awards because I strongly believe in the power of women to make a positive impact and create change in society. This award recognizes women who are challenging societal norms, breaking barriers, and making a difference in various fields. Being a part of this prestigious event not only highlights the incredible work I have done, but serves as an inspiration for other women to pursue their dreams and persevere in their own journeys of making a difference. I want to be a role model for women and show them that they can overcome any obstacles and contribute to changing the world for the better.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
I am truly honored to have been part of the awards. The experience was incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. I believe what I enjoyed the most was the opportunity to connect with such a talented and diverse group of individuals. The awards brought together outstanding professionals in the industry, and being surrounded by their passion and expertise was truly inspiring. It was a unique platform to learn from others, exchange ideas, and celebrate our collective achievements. The sense of camaraderie and celebration throughout the event was infectious, and it boosted my confidence in my own abilities. The visibility that came with being part of the awards has also been invaluable for my personal brand. It has not only helped increase my online presence but also led to opportunities and collaborations I may not have otherwise had. Overall, being part of the awards has been a memorable experience that has left a lasting impact on both my professional journey and personal growth.

What surprised you most about the awards?
What surprised me the most about the awards was the tremendous level of talent and innovation showcased by the recipients. The caliber of their work was truly exceptional and inspiring. It was awe-inspiring to witness how these individuals and organizations pushed boundaries and achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. The awards served as a reminder of the limitless potential that exists within the human spirit and the transformative power of dedication and passion. It was a truly humbling and eye-opening experience.

How did the awards help you in your work/business?
Winning the award was truly an incredible milestone in my career. It has not only brought immense recognition and validation to my work, but it has also opened up new opportunities and doors for me. The award serves as a testament to the dedication and effort I have put into my craft, and it has created a sense of pride and accomplishment within me.
In terms of my work, the award has had a profound impact. It has given me an increased sense of confidence and motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of my capabilities. The recognition that comes with winning an award has raised my profile in the industry, making it easier for me to collaborate with other professionals and gain access to resources and networks that were previously inaccessible.
Furthermore, the award has allowed me to expand my reach and make a greater impact on the people I serve. It has given my work more credibility and heightened the trust that others have in my expertise. This increased visibility has led to more opportunities to share my knowledge and insights through speaking engagements, workshops, and publications, enabling me to inspire and educate others in my field.
Overall, winning the award has been a game-changer for me. It has not only boosted my confidence and opened up doors for collaboration and growth, but it has also elevated the impact of my work and allowed me to make a difference on a larger scale. I am truly grateful for this recognition and look forward to leveraging it to continue making a positive impact in my industry.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about entering the awards?
I would advise other women who are considering entering the awards to have confidence in themselves and their abilities. It is essential to believe in our own potential and not let self-doubt hold us back. It's also crucial to surround ourselves with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and friends who can uplift and guide us along the way. Embrace any challenges or setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Finally, let passion be the driving force behind our work, as it will fuel our determination and resilience. Remember, we all have unique talents and perspectives to offer, and it's important to showcase and celebrate them.

What has been the best thing about starting your own work/business?
One of the most remarkable aspects of starting my own organization has been the opportunity to promote and support women empowerment. As a feminist, I firmly believe in creating a world where women have equal opportunities and recognition in all spheres of life. Through my own venture, I have the freedom to embody these values and make a real impact. It's truly empowering to see more women stepping into leadership roles, breaking stereotypes, and challenging the status quo. By providing a platform for women's voices to be heard and respected, I feel like I am contributing to the larger movement of gender equality. Witnessing the growth, success, and professional development of the women in my organization is undeniably the best thing about starting my own organization.

What’s happening next in your work/business?
In the coming year, you can expect significant progress and impactful outcomes from our projects. Let's take a closer look at each one:
a) The Self Love Project: Our focus will be on empowering women through self-awareness and building self-esteem. We will continue to provide resources and guidance on self-acceptance, self-care, self-compassion, and self-development. By promoting self-confidence and self-expression, we aim to create a community of strong and empowered women.
b) The Reproductive Health Project: Our goal is to raise awareness about cervical and breast cancer, which are prevalent health issues among Zimbabwean women. In the next year, we will work towards educating women about the early signs and symptoms of these diseases, promoting regular check-ups, and providing support to those affected. Our ultimate aim is to reduce the mortality rate associated with late detection.
c) The Climate Justice Project: With a focus on addressing the effects of climate change on women, we will implement feminist solutions to combat these challenges. Our efforts will center around empowering young female adults to actively participate in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. By advocating for climate justice, we aim to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
d) Speakers Forum Project: Building on our mission to foster confident and influential female leaders, we will continue to provide opportunities for women to enhance their public speaking skills. Through workshops, mentoring, and exposure to relevant grooming techniques, we aim to develop their charisma and communication abilities. We anticipate a growing community of eloquent and inspiring female speakers.
e) SHEprenuer Project: Our focus on promoting financial independence for women will continue into the next year. We will closely support and uplift small businesses owned by women, offering resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. By spreading financial literacy among young female adults, we hope to empower them to thrive as successful entrepreneurs.
Overall, you can expect tangible results, increased awareness, and a growing network of empowered women across these projects in the coming year. Our dedication and commitment will drive impactful changes in various spheres of women's lives in Zimbabwe.

What are your big plans for the future?
In the future, my main focus is on empowering women in rural communities. I have several big plans to make a difference in their lives. Firstly, I want to establish schools in these rural areas to ensure that education is accessible to all women, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Additionally, I believe in the importance of basic amenities, so I'm determined to drill boreholes to provide clean and reliable water sources for these communities.
Furthermore, I am passionate about addressing menstrual hygiene challenges that often hinder women's progress. To tackle this issue, I aim to distribute sanitary wear to empower women during their periods. Additionally, I want to provide stationery and cellphones to these women, enabling them to enhance their communication and access to resources.
My ultimate goal is to foster self-reliance and create sustainable opportunities for women in rural areas. By investing in education, water, and resources, we can empower women to become independent, confident, and active contributors to their communities and the wider society. Together, we can make a lasting impact on women's lives and build a brighter and more equal future.

How can we connect with you?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_tanyaradzwa_initiative
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetanyainitiative/
Join our WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KCy2oNIiC1C5NyudTDreC8
Email us at: thetanyaradzwainitiative@gmail.com
For more information and to join our projects, contact Runyararo on +263777 746 149.
Youtube:
https://youtube.com/@thetanyaradzwainitiative2255