Threading Power and Pride: Women’s League Redefines Regalia at 22nd National People’s Conference Through Fashion Showcase

by Regina Pasipanodya

For the first time in the history of the National People’s Conference, the city of Mutare bore witness to a spectacle that transcended politics and policy—a fashion show that celebrated the ingenuity, resilience, and aesthetic brilliance of Zimbabwean women.

Held during the night after the official opening of the 22nd National People’s Conference by His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the event was not merely a display of garments but a living canvas of identity, empowerment, and cultural storytelling.

At the heart of this groundbreaking moment were the women of the ruling party’s Women’s League, who reimagined party regalia fabric into bold, elegant, and deeply symbolic fashion pieces.

The fashion show, which involved women from different age groups, curated by the Women’s League and led by creative organisers including National Secretary for External Affairs, a Member of the Central Committee and former model Mrs Betty Nhambu-Kaseke, challenged traditional notions of political dress.

The regalia, which is typically reserved for rallies, commemorations, and official gatherings, was transformed into couture that spoke volumes about the evolving role of women in Zimbabwe’s political and social spheres.

From tailored worksuits to flowing gowns, headwraps to shoe designs, each piece stitched together a narrative of dignity, creativity, and unapologetic womanhood.

Designing Beyond Convention

The regalia fabric, often seen as rigid and ceremonial, was softened, layered, and sculpted into silhouettes that flattered every body type and age group.

Representing the judges, Councillor for Bulawayo Ward 20 and renowned artiste, Sandra Ndebele, said they were looking at three things: creativity, uniqueness, and the ability to mix fabrics to make it bold.

In an interview with Zimba Wave News on the sidelines, Mrs Priscilla Mangwana, former UK Women’s League Deputy Chairlady, said one of the goals of the show was for people out there to see what represents them as women and as Women’s League.

“People who did those designs took time to make sure that they represent what a typical woman who’s in politics or a typical mother in Zimbabwe represents,” she said.

“We’ve moved away from just making sure that people just make outfits without carefully considering that it’s our message out there.

If you look at the regalia, it talks about total economic emancipation for every woman, which supports the Vision 2030.”

She explained that this was being depicted by the woman on the fabric print who is carrying a hoe on one side, having a gun and carrying a baby, but still going on.

“Also, as a judge, I could feel the peace, I could feel the sisterhood, I could feel the bonding that was happening there. And I must say, you know what? I think this is just the beginning of bigger things to come, and I want to thank the organiser and our leadership, Cde Mabel Chinomona, for leading this vision.”

The guest of honour, Honourable Stembiso Nyoni, captured the spirit of the evening when she said, “You showed your creativity. You showed your dignity. You showed your confidence. You showed your beauty.”

One standout ensemble featured a construction worksuit, a helmet labeled Trabablas-one of H.E.’s high-profile projects, both made from the party’s signature conference red, green-and-yellow print.

The model, representing Harare Province, walked with poise and pride, her outfit tailored to accentuate her figure while honouring that women are also breaking barriers into male-dominated industries such as construction.

Another young woman representing the Diaspora wore a nice dinner dress with stitched patches of the regalia fabric.

Her outfit symbolizes the duality of tradition and modernity.

The regalia was no longer just fabric—it was a medium of self-expression.Both models scooped first place in the modelling competition in their respective age groups.

From Fabric to Statement

The transformation of regalia into fashion was not merely aesthetic—it was political.

Each stitch carried the weight of history and the promise of progress.

The women who modelled were not professional runway stars; they were community leaders, mothers, professionals, and activists.

Their presence on the catwalk was a declaration: women are not just supporters of the party—they are architects of its future.

Some designs used geometric patterns to represent unity and structure within the Women’s League.

The tailoring was meticulous, with darts and pleats placed to celebrate curves rather than conceal them.

The message was clear: beauty does not conform—it asserts.

Confidence in Every Step

As the models walked, Hon. Nyoni reminded the audience of the importance of authenticity.

“Accept your age. Accept your figure. Accept who you are. And dress it. You will always look nice.”

Her words resonated deeply, especially as older women took to the stage with grace and confidence.

One elder from Matabeleland North wore a regalia adorned with beadwork from her local culture.

She walked slowly, deliberately, her posture commanding respect.

The fashion show became a metaphor for political participation—each woman stepping forward, claiming space, and being seen.

The applause was not just for the garments, but for the courage it took to redefine what it means to be a woman in leadership.

Cultural Fusion and Diaspora Influence

The designs also reflected Zimbabwe’s diasporic connections.

It was a nod to the many Zimbabwean women abroad who continue to advocate for reform, inclusion, and representation.

Diaspora engagement was a key theme of the 22nd Conference, and the fashion show embodied that spirit.

It was not just about what women wore—it was about how they carried their stories across borders, stitched into every seam.

One such voice was Everjoy Kurangwah, Political Commissar for ZANU PF UK Women’s League, whose participation embodied the intersection of fashion, leadership, and advocacy.

“I believe fashion can be a powerful voice for culture, history, and progress,” she said.

“My outfit was inspired by our national colors to symbolize optimism, resilience, and unity.

The design aimed to fuse tradition with contemporary expression, reflecting how ZANU PF seeks to honour our heritage while driving modern development.”

Kurangwah’s message extended beyond the runway.

“Women are essential agents in shaping ZANU PF’s future, both culturally and politically,” she emphasized.

“By embracing education, mentorship, and deliberate capacity-building, we can advance Vision 2030’s goals of gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.”

She applauded the leadership of President Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, Dr Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa, and the Women’s League for their commitment to inclusivity: “Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa nekunamatirwa nevene vayo.”

A Platform for DialogueBeyond the runway, the fashion show sparked conversations about identity, representation, and the role of aesthetics in political mobilisation.

The Women’s League leadership encouraged this evolution, noting that visibility and pride in one’s roots are essential tools for advocacy.

Hon. Nyoni’s speech, though informal and peppered with anecdotes, struck a chord. Her reflections on aging, self-acceptance, and natural confidence reminded the audience that fashion is not about hiding—it’s about revealing truth.

“Carry yourself with confidence. And that confidence must be natural,” she said, urging women to walk with purpose, not performance.

Legacy in Motion

The Women’s League leadership was also commended for its foresight in using fashion as a tool for engagement.

Representing the Secretary General, Cde Chinomona, Honourable Senator Monica Mutsvangwa commended the dedication of the Women’s League and their participation in different structures of the party.

“I want to thank and recognise our National Secretary for External Affairs, Ms Kaseke, for this wonderful event. Understanding this field, she has done a great job on putting the resources together and making this a success,” said Senator Mutsvangwa.

In a political climate often dominated by speeches and resolutions, the show offered a refreshing and impactful alternative—a visual manifesto of dignity, creativity, and unity.

Through regalia, the women told stories of struggle, triumph, and transformation.

They reminded the nation that beauty and power are not mutually exclusive and that when women dress for their age, their figure, and their truth, they do more than look nice. They lead.