Can one still say compliments for the new year? I am not sure if there is actually a universal agreement to when it should be deemed cringe to even say it out loud in public. I, however, feel that there is still time to say this and not be embarrassed about it. This year for me started on a banger as always, and already, I have had more debates with individuals about why my column is named ‘Mavutu Conversations,’ more than the manifestations I could count on my vision board.
If you grew up in the 90s and are what we call a millennial, then the word mavutu should not be something difficult to understand its meaning. For many years, the word mavutu has existed in our vocabulary as a reference to what ama2000 would say ‘hun’.
Women have had that word accompany us when it became a supposed endearment term. “Is my mavutu.” Someone would introduce us as such and we would smile because it was deemed as a privilege to be claimed. It has also accompanied us when used as a derogatory term. “So, ander mavutu bra.” Something said in passing as if to say, it is not that important a person for you to worry yourself with. In all those occasions, we have let it define us as women and said nothing, until we reclaimed it with all the other terminologies, they invented to define who we are.
When we embraced it, so did the evolution of the word. If you have been bullied before, then you ought to know that the only way to make the bully stop is to defend yourself by standing on your ground. This is my defense against the bully of inventing a term because you don’t want to call a spade a spade.
‘Mavutu Conversations’ is the space where we unpack conversations that are relevant, such as postpartum depression, something that is still considered a taboo in most cultures, or perhaps had a different name, but people refuse to address it. This is a space that is very important for women to have. Despite being a safe space, it is also a space where we educate a lot of men and women about mavutu issues.
So, this year, I wish to just have more conversations under this column without being asked why I am using a term that was not invented by women. I intend to still write beautiful stories based on the stories I find in taxis, in bank queues, and hospital visits. I will continuously write about the stories and experiences of my sisters who protest and fight whatever system, about the many ideas they possess, and the things we find funny and healing. This year will be no different. So, please buckle up. We still have 11 months to go. Enjoy the beautiful year, and may it be great.
*Frieda Mukufa’s lifestyle section in the New Era concentrates on women-related issues and parenting. She specialises in editing research proposals, proofreading and content creation.
– etuholefrieda@ gmail.com
