Kariba — In a profession long dominated by men, 25-year-oldMichell Koffiis reshaping perceptions in Zimbabwe’s tailing industry Driven by a passion for equality and inspired by her late brother Edigar,Michellis proving that women can thrive in trades often viewed as off-limits “I chose this path as my contribution to the fight for equal rights We can’t demand equality and then avoid the work men do,” she said
Michell entered the trade in 2021, working on projects such as Parks Houses in Baobab, Nyaradzo, Properties Heights Primary School, and various local initiatives From the start, she faced the dual challenges of physical labor and deeply rooted societal expectations In Zimbabwe, women have traditionally been confined to roles seen as ‘light duty’—teaching, nursing, or clerical work.Michellchose to challenge that narrative “I’ve trained other women who can now work independently
That’s something I’m proud of,” she said Her efforts extend beyond personal success; she’s actively mentoring and empowering fellow women to pursue similar paths As a single mother, Michell credits her late brother for sparking her interest “He worked with my father in the trade
I was inspired by both of them to follow in their footsteps,” she recalled She now prefers to hire female assistants to offer them the same chance to grow “When men do this work, they mostly bring in other men I want women to know they can do it too.”
Even fears that come with the job—like working at heights—don’t shake her
“That’s just part of it You have to be bold enough to handle what’s required.”
Source: Gemnation
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Source: Gemnation
