Angel of Hope Foundation patron First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa with Dr Janet Palmer who paid her a courtesy call at Zimbabwe House.
 
Tendai Rupapa-Senior Reporter

FIRST Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s women empowerment drive and concern for the health of the nation, continues to capture global attention, attracting international organisations and individuals who are keen to work with her in the life transforming programmes.Yesterday, the mother of the nation sat down for a heart-to-heart, sisterly discussion with Dr Janet Palmer, a United states-based corporate and personal coach, who is part of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce delegation that is in Zimbabwe for a business forum.

Dr Palmer, a psychologist, has a foundation called Dr Jane Palmer International that has interests in both women empowerment and health issues, just like the First Lady.

She paid a courtesy call on Dr Mnangagwa at her office.

Dr Palmer expressed interest to work with the First Lady in counselling women and children dabbling in drugs, since mothers the world over bear the burden of children’s naughtiness.

In the meeting, Dr Mnangagwa and Dr Palmer deliberated on many issues pertaining women empowerment, with the First Lady voicing concern over a surge in drug abuse cases.

She said she is working flat out to curb the menace.

The First Lady added that Dr Palmer’s visit was critical since the country could do with psychology experts in light of the effects of drug abuse.

Dr Palmer said she was touched by the First Lady’s humility and commended her for working tirelessly in empowering women.

She went on to express her interest to learn from Amai Mnangagwa and to work closely with her in some of her women-centric projects.

“I am from the United States and I am here with a delegation of fellow African-American US citizens who are connected with the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce and we have come here because we deeply believe that there is not only a bond, but a purpose in ensuring that blacks, both States’ side and here, are bonded together. If we work effectively together, fabulous things can happen.

“And my desire to meet with the First Lady is because I became aware of the fact that she is very interested in the women of Zimbabwe and enabling them to be the best they were created to be and that is my creative purpose and as such I knew that the integral part of my being here was to meet with her. “So, it has been a matter of prayer for me. Prior to getting here, I was on a 40-day fast. I do fast quarterly and it’s usually for 30 days, but God told me to fast for 40 and sitting with her, I knew that it could only be God that could have created that.

“I look forward to being able to meet with her again, bond with her and collectively learn from her so that women, not just in Zimbabwe, but world over succeed in all they do. By working together as women, I think that gives a message of the power of women and the collective bond that we have as women, irrespective of our levels, how we can effect change,” she said.

Dr Palmer said she looked forward to establishing a strong bond with Dr Mnangagwa and tap into her wealth of experience.

“It is good as women to listen to each other, learn from each other and empower each other. Clearly my weaknesses will blend in with her strengths and so by being able to demonstrate that, we will model to the world that it’s doable,” she said.

On her part, Dr Mnangagwa said she was equally prepared to work with Dr Palmer.
 
She called on women to put God first in all they do.

The First Lady spoke on the need for women to always be strong and resilient since they are at the centre of every challenge that is faced by the family and the community.

She warmly welcomed her visitor.

“When I received this letter this morning, I had to make time for you. Your visit represents a keen effort to enhance women empowerment and strengthen international cooperation, all contributing to Zimbabwe’s transformation into a prosperous and empowered society.

“I am also informed that you specialise in offering tailored programmes rooted in psychological expertise and strategic coaching. On this one, let me say, we are facing the challenge of drug abuse. In a family set up you find parents and their children affected by drugs and we need your psychological expertise here in Zimbabwe.

“I am the Ambassador of health in the country and I understand what it means to the nation. These initiatives align perfectly with Zimbabwe’s national development strategies and vision 2030 emphasizing women’s empowerment, economic empowerment, human capital development and sustainable development.

“I assure you that Zimbabwe is truly enthusiastic about the potential collaboration between you and your Dr Palmer International foundation. I want to underscore my readiness, preparedness and commitment to working together with you on women’s empowerment initiatives,” she said.
 
She added that it was important to provide counselling and teaching to the elderly so that they impart knowledge to the young generation.

“Fifty and above is the age that we want to see leading our children the proper way of how life must be treated because today its all mixed up, there is no difference between a 50 year old and a 20-year-old. We want to separate things. This is a war we must win and we should come up with strategies on how to implement the programmes.

“I have been doing empowerment projects in all areas involving all age groups but this one is age specific because we want the women to impart knowledge to the young ones. We should teach these women how to handle children especially those affected by drugs because vana mai vatambura nemisikanzwa yevana kusvika pakuti mapurisa torayi henyu muvharire mugare navo,” she said.

The First Lady said she valued Dr Palmer’s visit since they were in the same line of work and needed to share experiences and ideas.