Changing Cultural Norms
Education is something many of us take for granted. Girls having access to education past 5th grade is normal. Throughout Africa however, education, especially for girls, is not always a guarantee.
Global Leader Violet Myambo grew up in a family with 12 children. Unlike most fathers in Zimbabwe, her dad saw the benefit of all of his children, including his daughters, being educated. Unfortunately, this decision was met with opposition to the point that Violet’s family was thrown out of their local church. Violet went down the path of questioning whether God really cared for women. She searched for answers finding what she knew was true in the New Testament. She discovered God’s unique love for women and saw how Jesus respected and valued them in his ministry.
Despite the stigmatism toward women being educated, Violet persevered and graduated with a master’s degree in Theology. She married a well-educated man and had two sons. While they were living and studying in South Africa, her husband developed cancer and passed away. Now a widow, Violet moved back to Zimbabwe and began asking God what he wanted her to be doing. She felt called to help with the education of girls, and thus her ministry Talitha Cumi was born.
In deciding what to name her ministry, Violet looked to the scriptures. The phrase “talitha cumi” appears in Mark 5 where Jesus raises a little girl from the dead. “Taking her by the hand he said to her, ‘Talitha cumi,’” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”
Violet's ministry does just that. Talitha Cumi addresses the needs of young girls living in Zimbabwe, where normally their value is found only in their ability to marry and have children. The girls that Violet helps are orphans or unsafe or unwelcome at home. Through Violet, the girls learn to pray and trust God. Their school fees are paid for and they receive sanitary pads which allow them to attend school full time. Violet has even opened her home to some of these girls, offering them a safe place to live. She says that her biggest joy in working with them is seeing them grow in their relationship with the Lord. Violet believes that the future of Zimbabwe depends on educated, godly mothers who will influence their families and communities with the gospel.
Every day Violet fights cultural norms. Many pastors don't value education for girls or women gaining an income because they feel that they will be less submissive. Violet combats this idea by working with the local churches to help them understand God’s heart for women and how they are valued, loved, and capable of contributing to the community in significant ways. She encourages the churches to promote education for girls, reminding them that when women RISE, the community and everyone around them does as well.
The idea that women have inherent value as partners in God’s creation – and that they should be protected, valued, and educated – is the heart of Violet’s and Tirzah’s mission. Being part of Tirzah has meant so much to Violet. The relationships, prayer support, and encouragement with other women leaders around the world has been so impactful. She shares that just knowing that there are other leaders around the world working in a similar space is heartening. She concludes, “On this side of heaven, it's a blessing to know that we don't walk alone.”
