Ruwadzano/ Manyano is derived from a Shona verb “kuwadzana” meaning fellowship and Umanyano is the equivalent Ndebele word. When used in the Methodist Church, refers to the fellowship of Methodist bloused women. The organization is also commonly identified with its uniform which has a red blouse. Other people would simply call them the Red blouse women or the women. The organization is undertaking a number of projects. These projects are divided into profit making, developmental and social projects. The developmental project is called Ruwadzano/ Manyano Center in Epworth. The purpose of the center is to promote self knowledge, self reliance and leadership among women. It is also a place of meetings for women of different religious, political, social and ideological backgrounds and denominations. The center also endeavors to be a place of promoting women’s handwork, to provide space for a gallery and shop where women would display, exhibit thereby promoting women artwork.
By 2011 Ruwadzano Manyano center has embarked on a massive project of a gazebo with a kitchen. The aim of the gazebo is for hiring for social events like weddings, seminars and graduations. The kitchen is very suitable for braes where even families can go and socialize. The place has borehole water and electricity facilities. Apart from these are the dormitories. There are two blocs with 67 double rooms at slab level. The aim of the organization is to complete the project by 2013.
Its sustainability as a women organization of the church is in projects. The projects underway are all marked with a Methodist logo. They sell mug cups, dinner plates, bags, umbrellas, t-shirts, material which are categorized into five distinctions. The autonomy material with M.C.Z logo, 2007 material with a theme “Called to Serve” which was introduced in commemoration of 30 years of autonomy, A step of Faith material which was their 2010 annual theme and 120 years of Methodism in Zimbabwe from 1891-2011. Apart from the material, are shirts, jerseys, pins, registers and cards. These sales have made the organization self sustainable and able to run its own affairs.
On social projects, women in most parts of the country are involved in the support of the vulnerable children. Most of them are sponsoring needy children to school. Besides, circuits regularly visit Matthew Rusike Children’s Homes all over the country to be with the Children, sharing and eating with them.
As women, we feel that we are the first in Evangelism as witnessed by the first to meet the resurrected Christ. We feel great and we walk tall to be missioners in our own way in the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.
The president of the Ruwadzano/ Manyano and Girls Christian Union Mrs Mercy Ndhlumbi, Connexional Ruwadzano/ Manyano and GCU Committees, District presidents and all members of Ruwadzano/ Manyano, GCU and Tsungare wishes to congratulate the Presiding Bishop Amos Ndhlumbi, the Lay President and the Methodist family for 120 years of Spreading the Good News in Zimbabwe. We cherish together the growth and the church especially with fifty percent of women as Lay Presidents and in other key leadership positions of the Methodist Church. NGARIFAMBE VHANGERI.