News Day
By Tinashe Sibanda
16 May 2013
DEPUTY Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development Jessie Fungai Majome on Tuesday evening commended members of the Zimbabwe Association of Female Photographers (ZAFP) for launching their first ever exhibition — Shutter Opener — in Newlands, Harare.
The minister was the guest of honour at the event which was aimed at celebrating the achievement of women in photography.
She said journalists, photographers and other artistes should find room to develop their talents and professions.
“That access to information and freedom of information in the media would guarantee their freedom to express themselves, take photographs and interpret the world without fear of needless reparation,†she said.
“Photography has rare and special qualities in that it allows art to intersect with technology and it is heartening to know that the women of Zimbabwe have decided that it is important to come together and form an association to help each other and develop their profession.â€
Majome added that her ministry’s mission was to spearhead women empowerment, gender equality and equity of community development and she was happy to say that the art and craft of photography was one platform where it was possible.
Also present at the debut exhibition was Education, Sport, Arts and Culture minister Senator David Coltart and Harare Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda.
People had the opportunity to view the showcase of images which introduced the works of 14 ZAFP members from diverse photographic backgrounds.