Theresa Takafuma, winner of the storyteller Journalism Impact Award, is a seasoned communicator and award-winning journalist dedicated to promoting access to information and advocating for the rights of women and girls. Theresa has developed a rich background in covering elections and community stories throughout Masvingo Province and the Southern Region of Zimbabwe.
Receiving The List Award is a profound validation of Theresa’s work in journalism and storytelling. “It meant recognition for me as a journalist and storyteller at a high level,” she expresses. This award serves as motivation for her to continue amplifying voices from marginalized communities and telling stories of change and social impact. “The award came as a motivation to continue going into those marginalized communities,” she adds, underscoring her commitment to addressing social justice issues.
Theresa encourages others who witness social justice challenges in their communities to take action. “There is never a right time to do good work; whatever you put out in the universe never comes back to you empty-handed. Do it today. Tell that story; do that work, the world needs it now,” she urges, highlighting the urgency of advocacy and storytelling.
Her experience with The List Awards has been a journey of growth and recognition. “I had a rollercoaster from the very day I accepted my nomination,” she reflects. The honor of being nominated was significant, and the support from the awards conveners reinforced the seriousness of her work. Despite some glitches in the voting process, she noted the behind-the-scenes efforts that contributed to a positive experience. “You could feel that there was a lot of work going on behind the scenes,” she shares.
To her fellow winners, Theresa emphasizes the collective responsibility they share. “We were honored, and it’s on us to help Identities Media make others feel honored,” she states. She envisions building a strong Alumni Network to elevate The List Awards into the continent’s premier award event. “We can also create synergies and work together to improve our work,” she adds, encouraging collaboration among winners to enhance their impact.
In addition to her journalistic endeavors, Theresa co-founded The Usawa Institute, where she extends her commitment to empowering girls and women through training in advocacy, communication, leadership, and basic education. As a digital storyteller, she has also trained citizen journalists in leveraging mobile technology for impactful community storytelling, furthering her mission to amplify voices and foster social change.
Through her unwavering dedication to journalism and advocacy, Theresa Takafuma is not only shaping narratives in her community but also inspiring others to engage in meaningful storytelling that drives social impact. Her work exemplifies the power of communication in promoting justice and empowering marginalized voices.
well done Tess, keep up the good work in communities