Resurrecting hope: The story of Florence Mudzingwa

Audrey Galawu

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Growing up, Florence Mudzingwa had a very supportive family, she did not feel excluded or any different as her siblings treated her equally.

They would choose games in which she would be able to participate.

However, things were a bit different in the outside world, she realised that not everyone treated her the same as her siblings did.

Being a person with a disability, she realised that it was more difficult to get opportunities unlike able-bodied persons.

“When I went out into the external world, I had the confidence and courage that I can become anything I want in life.

“However, I realised that not everyone with a disability gets opportunities, some families neglect children because they have a disability and view it as a burden or thing that they child will not be able to become anyone in life,” says Mudzingwa.

Mudzingwa is the founder of Hope Resurrect Trust, an organisation that seeks to impart, build confidence and self- esteem in young girls and women with disabilities, which will motivate them to contribute to their personal growth.

She believes that women with disabilities deserve to be recognised in their respective line of work as others.

She said the difficulties she faced motivated her to start the organisation and the journey has been fulfilling, watching the young women and girls follow their passion and thriving to be the women they want to be in life.

“That was the motivation behind the establishment of Hope Resurrect Trust, to build a culture of a sense of belonging to young women and girls with disabilities while instilling confidence and building their self-esteem.”

Mudzingwa says support in all spheres of one’s life is important that is family and society because the family is the one that builds a person and society is where one belongs and to be accepted and supported by both gives one a sense of belonging.

“We all need something worthwhile to aim for. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. I am in awe celebrating a decade of Hope Resurrect Trust reflecting back on this milestone, I have learnt that if we want to realise your dream, you must not be hesitant towards making the initial move. Every opportunity we meet, every resource we discover, every talent we develop, becomes a part of our potential.

“We should be fearless in taking the first step. howsoever, big the dream may be to realise, but we should not be discouraged by these facts, rather should firmly begin the journey, confiding in our own abilities.

“That which we envision becomes a reality. The true measure of our success lies in the positive impact we have on people’s lives. I might have not achieved great things but with every little step I have taken, I have done it with great love,” she noted.

Last year, she was awarded founder of the year 2023 by We Act Zimbabwe which for her, brought a sense of happiness in that people are recognising the work of the Trust and the impact she is making in communities and society as a whole.

Mudzingwa commended government for significant progress in terms of inclusion, after gazetting the Persons with Disabilities Bill, which when enacted seeks to enhance the well-being of persons with disabilities and their families.

She however, added that more awareness needs to be done on disability etiquette.

“When society embrace persons with disability it opens up an array of opportunities for women with disabilities in employment opportunities in that corporate world and sporting areas.

“Also developing suitable transport systems that will enable persons with disabilities to conduct their day to day activities,” she added.

My advice to young women and girls out there is that “They should not be afraid to tell their story, showcasing their abilities and talent. You are unique the way you are search within yourself and pursue that which you are passionate about. Accept yourself and stay in your lane doing what makes you happy, there is no need to compete with anyone, work towards creating the best version of yourself,” Mudzingwa advised.