MY household has recently undergone a significant transformation that has reshaped our daily lives and interactions.
After nearly five years of cohabitation with our house help, who has now left to care for her invalid brother, I find myself in a space of deep reflection.
This departure has not only altered our routines but has also invited me to consider the intricate dynamics that define our home life. The absence of our house help has created a void that has prompted us to rethink our roles and responsibilities within the household.
It has become clear that this change extends beyond mere logistics; it touches on fundamental questions of community and care. How do we support one another in the absence of a dedicated caregiver?
What does it mean to share responsibilities in a way that honours each person's contributions? These questions have become central to our family's evolving narrative.
As I navigate this transition, I am acutely aware of the historical contexts that shape our lives. The legacy of domestic work, particularly in Zimbabwe, is intertwined with colonial histories that have long dictated the roles of women and the nature of caregiving.
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Reflecting on this history adds a layer of complexity to our current situation, highlighting the importance of recognising the power dynamics at play in our interactions.
Moreover, my household is now home to a diverse array of voices and perspectives. With two children from Generation Z and Generation Alpha, along with a university student, who has recently joined us, the interplay of various generations and identities has created a rich composition of experiences.
Each member brings unique insights shaped by their upbringing, education, and cultural context. This generational diversity fosters vibrant discussions about values, responsibilities, and the nature of community.
As we navigate these changes, I see an opportunity to explore our experiences through the lenses of feminism, decolonial theory, and Pan-Africanism.
Feminism encourages us to examine the roles we play and the societal expectations that influence our behaviour. Decolonial theory invites us to challenge the lingering effects of colonialism on our identities and relationships.
Pan-Africanism reminds us of the interconnectedness of our struggles and the importance of solidarity among people of African descent.
In this moment of transformation, I am committed to fostering an environment where these discussions can thrive. By engaging with these theoretical frameworks, we can better understand our experiences and work towards a more equitable and supportive household.
This journey not only enriches our family life but also contributes to the broader conversations about community, care, and identity in contemporary Zimbabwe.
The presence of a live-in house help carries with it the weight of colonial history. In Zimbabwe, as in many African nations, domestic work has often been associated with the subjugation of women, particularly black women.
The idea of a house help, especially one who lives within the household, echoes colonial practices where the labour of black women was exploited to serve the needs of predominantly white families.
This historical context cannot be ignored as I reflect on my own experiences and the dynamics that have unfolded in our home. While our house help provided essential support, her departure has illuminated the complexities of our relationship.
It raises questions about power dynamics, agency, and the societal structures that define our interactions. As a feminist, I recognise the importance of acknowledging these histories and striving for a more equitable approach to caregiving and community.
With the departure of our house help, my children and I are now navigating the challenges of household management together. This shift has fostered a sense of collaboration and mutual support that was previously overshadowed by the presence of a caregiver.
In our efforts to co-exist as a community, we are learning valuable lessons about responsibility, empathy, and the importance of shared labour.
As we engage in household tasks, I am reminded of the feminist principle of communal living. The idea that care work should not rest solely on one individual, but rather be a collective responsibility, resonates deeply within our current situation.
This approach aligns with Pan-African ideals that emphasise unity and solidarity among people of African descent. By working together, we are not only strengthening our family bonds but also embodying a more equitable model of community life.
This, however, does not come without its fair share of contradictions and comfortabilities. Oh what a space of growth this is presenting!
The generational diversity within our household presents both challenges and opportunities for growth. My Gen Z children, who are accustomed to a digital world, often bring fresh perspectives to traditional tasks.
Their engagement with technology offers innovative solutions to everyday challenges, while also prompting discussions about the importance of cultural heritage and communal values.
Meanwhile, our university student, representing a more mature Gen Z perspective, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her presence encourages intergenerational dialogue, allowing us to reflect on our roles within the household and the broader societal context.
This dynamic fosters an environment of learning and adaptation, where each generation contributes to the collective understanding of care, responsibility, and identity.
Through this reflective journey, several key lessons emerge that are deeply rooted in feminist thought and decolonial theory:
Recognising agency
It is crucial to acknowledge the agency of all individuals within the household. While the historical context of domestic work may suggest a power imbalance, my experience has taught me that every member of the household has valuable contributions to make. Empowering my children to take ownership of their roles fosters a sense of responsibility and respect. This in a world that shuns upon domestic work as a collective effort is pretty empowering for all of us involved.
Challenging norms
The departure of our house help has prompted us to challenge traditional norms surrounding caregiving. By rejecting the notion that care work is solely the responsibility of one individual, we are redefining our understanding of family and community.
This shift aligns with feminist ideals that advocate for the redistribution of labour and the recognition of care work as essential, rather than ancillary. This is one of the greatest insights of all times and one worth embracing for a greater future when we look at households and how domestic work is handled communally in homes.
Embracing solidarity
The principles of Pan-Africanism emphasise the importance of solidarity among African peoples. In our household, this translates to a commitment to support one another in both domestic and emotional labour.
By fostering an environment of cooperation, we are not only enhancing our family dynamics but also embodying the broader ideals of community and interconnectedness.
It is not easy to open up to exploring what this means to different ones at any given time and yet is a very necessary narrative.
Reflecting on history
Engaging with the historical context of domestic work allows us to better understand our current realities. By acknowledging the colonial legacies that inform our experiences, we can work towards dismantling the structures that perpetuate inequality.
This reflection is essential for creating a more just and equitable future. I did a research on unpaid care and domestic work for Oxfam (https://policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/reframing-narratives-around-care-and-informal-work-in-kenya-the-uk-and-zimbabwe-621587/) and am glad I did because it helped me understand a lot about unpaid care and domestic work.
Conclusion
The recent changes in my household have prompted profound reflections on the interplay of feminism, decolonial theory, and Pan-Africanism.
As we navigate the complexities of community and care, we are learning valuable lessons about agency, responsibility, and solidarity. By embracing these ideals, we can create a more equitable and nurturing environment for ourselves and future generations.
In a world that often seeks to compartmentalise identities and experiences, our household serves as a microcosm of the broader societal dynamics at play.
Through our collective efforts, we are not only redefining what it means to coexist as a community but also contributing to the ongoing discourse surrounding feminism and decolonisation in contemporary Zimbabwe.
As we continue this journey, I am hopeful that our experiences will inspire others to reflect on their own relationships with care, community, and identity.
I know how much we love domestic support as communities, may we rethink what that means to our communities and especially in raising children that are self-reliant.
Until then, we are blessed to be a blessing (#B2BAB). We were here, becoming better, making our mark, and leaving our footprint as we make the world a better place!
Chirenje writes in her capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe. Follow her on social media for more Lifezone with Grace conversations on Twitter: @graceruvimbo; Facebook: Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje; Instagram: @graceruvimbo