Chido Barbara Chidziva is a dynamic 26-year-old entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate from Zimbabwe, dedicated to business, technology, and women empowerment. Through her organization, Chido Chevasikana Trust, she tirelessly supports young women from marginalized communities in Zimbabwe, focusing on skills sharing and sustainable development.
Balancing her roles as a mother and businesswoman, Chido is also the CEO of Chimatai Media, a digital marketing and advertising agency offering creative solutions across Zimbabwe. We caught up with Chido to discuss her impactful philanthropic work in Zimbabwe.
Glamour: Growing up did you always envision yourself as an entrepreneur and humanitarian? What did you want to be as a teen?
Chido: As a teenager, I always envisioned myself pursuing a career in law and owning a successful media company focused on magazines. However, my passion for humanitarian work took root during my high school years, and over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to helping the underprivileged and reshaping narratives for the better. While my teenage aspirations were more focused on law and media, my commitment to making a positive impact on society through humanitarian efforts has become an integral part of who I am today.
Glamour: Fast forward now you're playing your part towards women empowerment in Zimbabwe. What inspired you to start Chido Chevasikana Trust, and how has it impacted the lives of women and girls in Zimbabwe?
Chido: The inspiration behind starting Chido Chevasikana Trust stems from my personal experiences and challenges. Losing my mother at a young age and being a victim of abuse could have defined me, but instead, it fuelled my passion to empower women and girls in Zimbabwe. I believe that one's past should not dictate their future, and I wanted to empower women to rewrite their narratives into stories of success and resilience.
Through the Trust, we have been able to impact the lives of women and girls in Zimbabwe by providing them with resources, support, and opportunities to thrive. Witnessing women gaining the confidence to make decisions for themselves, become financially independent, support their families, and educate their children has been incredibly rewarding. I firmly believe that by empowering women, we are empowering the nation as a whole, and I am dedicated to continuing this work to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Glamour: Can you share some success stories from your work with Chido Chevasikana Trust that illustrates the impact of your initiatives?
Chido: One of the notable success stories from our work at the Chido Chevasikana Trust involves our winter program called Digi School, which was launched last year to equip women with essential digital skills for the evolving technological landscape. I am immensely proud to share that the women who participated in this program have successfully transitioned to running their businesses online, enabling them to generate income remotely while balancing their family responsibilities. This newfound flexibility has empowered them to earn a livelihood from anywhere, providing financial stability and the freedom to be present for their families.
Our focus on home-based income-generating projects such as poultry farming, small-scale agriculture, dressmaking, and sewing has yielded remarkable results. Many women have honed their skills in garment-making and expanded their market reach by selling their products online, tapping into new markets and attracting a broader clientele. As a result, these women have doubled their profits, enabling them to send their children to school and secure a brighter future for their families. These success stories exemplify the transformative impact of our initiatives in enabling women to achieve financial independence and create sustainable livelihoods.
Glamour: What are the future goals for Chido Chevasikana Trust, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Chido: We have 3 main goals for the trust that we are currently working towards:
1. Establishing a Women's Center: One of our main goals is building a women's center to provide education, healthcare access, mental health therapy, and overall support for women is a commendable goal. To achieve this, we would need to secure funding for construction, operations, and staffing. Collaborating with local government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders can help in obtaining resources and support.
2. Ending Period Poverty: We plan to contribute to ending period poverty by 2030 through the creation of a factory focused on producing menstrual products is a vital initiative. To achieve this, we would need to conduct feasibility studies, secure funding for the factory setup, and ensure the sustainability of the production process. Collaborating with experts in the field, partnering with NGOs working in the menstrual health space, and potentially seeking government support can help in realizing this goal.
3. Promoting Tech Literacy Among Women: Ensuring that all women in Africa are tech-literate is crucial for their empowerment and access to opportunities. Implementing aggressive outreach programs that provide training, resources, and mentorship in technology can help achieve this goal. Partnering with tech companies, educational institutions, and governmental bodies can assist in scaling these programs and reaching a broader audience.
Glamour: Apart from running Chido Chevasikana you are the CEO of Chimatai Media a disruptor in the advertising and digital marketing space. What are some of the challenges you have faced as an entrepreneur and how have you overcome them?
Chido: As the CEO of Chimatai Media, one of the significant challenges I've encountered as an entrepreneur in the advertising and branding space is the resistance to change in Zimbabwe. The traditional marketing methods are deeply rooted, making it difficult to introduce the digital world. To overcome this, we focus on educating clients about the benefits of digital marketing through real-world examples and data-driven results, building trust through transparency, and offering pilot projects to showcase the effectiveness of our strategies.
Navigating competition in the dynamic advertising and branding industry is also a challenge. To stand out and compete effectively, we differentiate our services by emphasizing unique value propositions, specialized offerings, innovative solutions, and exceptional customer service. Continuous market research helps us identify emerging trends and tailor our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients, staying ahead of the competition.
Glamour: How do you balance your roles as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate while managing your personal life and hobbies? Can you offer some work-life tips for our readers?
Chido: I always make sure to stop and breathe. Life has this thing of making us forget what matters if we have a lot going on. For me it may be a few hours on the golf course or trying a new recipe in my kitchen.
Glamour: Lastly, What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Chido: Find your why first, there is no formula to a perfect life. Take each day as it comes and always have goals. They might not happen overnight but as long as you write them down they will come to fruition.We have power over our lives. Affirmations and faith really work. Speak positive in your life, put in some work in creative ways and then let God do the rest.
Words by Takudzwa Nyambi
