Fozert Mugabe: A blueprint for courage, passion, and strength
Born in 1960, Mugabe was raised in the Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe District of Mrewa, Zimbabwe, as the eldest daughter of the Madzinga family. During the liberation struggle, her family relocated to Harare, where she completed her secondary education. Although she initially aspired to become a teacher, the country’s tumultuous political landscape and limited educational opportunities steered her towards obtaining a secretarial diploma. Armed with this qualification, she began her career as an administrative secretary for the Building Workers Trade Union, now known as ZCATWU. In 1980, as Zimbabwe gained independence, the union saw the emergence of newly elected African leaders. Mugabe was appointed as an administrative secretary, where she had to employ her communication, presentation, and organisational skills to engage with workers and navigate the challenging dynamics of dealing with predominantly Caucasian and male employers in a racially oppressive and patriarchal society. In an era when women’s roles were often confined to clerical work, Fozert reaffirmed her commitment to the workers’ struggle, drawing strength from literature on labor history, social movements, and feminist theory.
In 1982, two years into her career, Fozert married and gave birth to twins. She temporarily left the workforce to care for her young family but returned in 1986 to resume her position. By 1989, she was promoted to a senior management role, expanding her duties to include organizing union members. Over the next two decades (1989–2009), she honed her skills further, receiving training in bookkeeping and financial management for the union’s accounts. Her professional growth was supported by capacity-building initiatives from both BWI and the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). In 2010, Mugabe’s vast experience led to her election as Deputy General Secretary (DGS) of ZCATWU, a position she holds to this day. As DGS, she has continued to receive training and has remained a steadfast advocate for workers’ rights.
One of the defining moments of Mugabe’s career was her involvement in establishing the Women’s Advisory Council (WAC) of ZCTU. As a founding member, she became a vocal advocate for women’s rights, championing collaboration, fairness, equality, and empowerment for women in the construction sector and beyond. For nearly a decade, she played a pivotal role in WAC, leading thematic workshops, participating in local advocacy campaigns, attending rallies, and engaging in political processes to ensure women’s representation and progress in decision-making arenas.
“As a female trade unionist, I value the importance of standing together with women, especially in times of struggle. In doing so, we can achieve meaningful change and create a better world for everyone,” Fozert said.
Throughout her journey as an activist, Fozert has emphasised the importance of building strong relationships with union members, understanding their needs, and addressing them effectively. This included organizing women and advocating for their training and upskilling. She used her experience as a shield to combat male dominance, toxic stereotypes, and perceived threats to leadership positions. Her dedication not only protected her but also earned her the respect and trust of female workers who gained confidence in her leadership.
Reflecting on her journey, Fozert shares, “Over the years, my work and leadership have become synonymous with the struggle for women’s rights, democracy within the trade union movement, and my unwavering commitment to inspiring a new generation of activists. I have earned my respect and continue to use it to break down the barriers that delay the attainment of gender equity in Zimbabwe, the region, and the world.”
Mugabe has represented ZCATWU on national, regional, and global stages. In these forums, she has met fellow BWI leaders and members, sharing her knowledge, skills, and experiences. Recognized for her contributions, she was elected Chairperson of the BWI Africa & Middle East Regional Women’s Committee in August 2021 and Vice-Chairperson of the BWI International Women’s Committee in October 2022. In these roles, she provides critical insights on advancing the women’s agenda, shares policy recommendations, demands accountability, and represents the interests of women workers across various platforms. In 2023, Dr. Mugabe was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (Hon. DHL) by the International Institute of Philanthropy, proving that learning never stops in the pursuit of growth and workers’ empowerment. In 2024, she was elected Vice Chairperson of the Construction Industry Pension Fund Board of Trustees.
“As a leader in national, regional, and global BWI structures, I envision a future where gender equality is a cornerstone of the construction, building, wood, forest, and allied sectors, as well as the trade union movement at large. However, while we fight for the attainment of gender equality, I encourage women and leaders to take care of their well-being,” says Fozert.
Mugabe is undoubtedly a powerhouse, whose work serves as a blueprint for courage, passion, and strength.