A list by Elle Afrique of what it terms Zimbabwe’s Top 40 Hot, Brainy and Influential Women has courted controversy in the country.
Pretty much everyone has been critical of the list saying that the majority of the people on it did not deserve to be. The inclusion of Thandie Newton raised the ire of many while many pointed to the fact that some of the names on the list were hardly influential even in their chosen field.
Perhaps the problem is that the list lacks a criteria, something that explains why these women in particular were chosen above anyone else. No disrespect to them in particular since there is no evidence that they had the list doctored in their favour but influence is such a broad term.
Anyway look at the list below:
40.Grace Mugabe – First Lady
39. Rudo Chigudu – Activist
38. Malaika Mushandu – Miss Zimbabwe 2011
37. Lolo – Fashionista and Blogger on Lolo’s Kloset
36. Tinashe Jorgenson Kachingwe – Actress
35. Rumbidzai Dube – Lawyer, Gender Activist
34. Rumbi Katedza – Filmmaker
33.Teurai Chanakira – Model and Founder of the Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust
32. Liseli Madiri – Miss Teen Zimbabwe
31. Novuyo Rosa Tshuma – Author
30. Dr Rudo Makunike – Pediatric Patholist
29. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda – Gender Activist
28. NoViolet Bulawayo – Author
27. Benu Mabhena – Actress
26. Netsayi Chigwendere – Singer
25. Betty Makoni – Gender activist
24. Eska Mtungwazi – Songwriter and producer
23. Greatmore Chatya – Model
22. Chipo Chung – Actress
21. Chiwoniso Maraire – Singer
20. Gamuchirai Nhengu – Singer
19. Pokello Nare – Socialite and entrepreneur
18. Fungai Machirori – Poet and Founder of HerZimbabwe
17. Cara Black – Tennis Player
16. Stella Chiweshe – Queen of Mbira
15. Divine Ndhlukula – Founder of Securico
14. Shereen Essof – Feminist, Activist and Academic
13. Hope Masike – Traditional Musician (Mbira Player)
12. Dr Tererai Trent – Academic, Motivation Speaker
11. Prudence Mabhena – Singer and Activist
10. Tsitsi Dangarembga – Author and Film Producer
- 9. Danai Gurira – Actress
8. Makosi Musambasi – Model and TV Presenter
7. Joice Mujuru – Vice President
6. Farai Gundan – Entrepreneur
5. Nyasha Matonhodze – Model
4. Thokozani Khupe – Deputy Prime Minister
3. Thandie Newton – Actress
2. Kirsty Coventry – Olympic Gold Medalist
1. Shingai Shoniwa – The Noisettes lead singer
What do you think of this list? There has been a suggestion that this list should read: A list of Zimbabwean women we know.
At the end of the day though… Meh.
Elle Afrique is an African magazine for women by women
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