Empowering through Authenticity: Wadzanai Garwe´s perspective on Life and Legacy

 

Wadzi

In this compelling interview, I speak with Wadzanai Garwe, affectionately known as Wadzi, a remarkable woman whose life journey exemplifies courage, compassion, and resilience. Born in Zimbabwe during a time of apartheid, Wadzi's upbringing instilled values of integrity and service, guiding her through a diverse career path. She studied finance in the U.S. and currently serves as the President of the Federation of International Civil Servants' Associations (FICSA), advocating for civil servants globally. Wadzi's commitment to authenticity and compassion shines through in her work, which includes aiding thousands of Mozambican refugees while working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Her challenges, including living with HIV for over three decades, have deepened her empathy and determination to make a positive impact. This article explores Wadzi's inspiring life story, emphasizing her belief in authenticity, kindness, and the transformative power of self-love and gratitude.

Beatrice:  Wadzi, could you kindly share a bit about your life background for us and the journey that led you to where you are today?

Wadzi: I was born in Zimbabwe, in what was then Rhodesia. It was a time of apartheid, very intolerant to black people. My parents were in civil service; my father was a teacher, and my mother was a nurse. They instilled values of taking risks, integrity, and always doing your best. I attended the Dominican Convent in Mutare, where I was the first black child. After Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, my father became the first high commissioner to Kenya. Seeing black excellence in Kenya had a profound impact on me. I then went to college in the U.S. when my father became the ambassador there, studying finance at the University of Maryland.

Throughout my life, I've been drawn to service and helping people. Upon returning to Zimbabwe, I worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, aiding thousands of Mozambican refugees. This taught me the fragility of life and the importance of resilience. Now, I am the President of the Federation of International Civil Servants Associations, advocating for civil servants globally.

Beatrice:  Wadzi, what is your essence, the core of who you are, and what drives you in your professional and personal life?

Wadzi: My essence is being my authentic self. Every person is born unique. If I conform to others, I lose that uniqueness. Integrity, education, continuous learning, and community are core to me. I believe in doing my best in every situation and in not causing harm. Living with HIV for 32 years, I am an example of what science can do. My experiences have deepened my compassion and commitment to making a positive impact.

Beatrice: You spoke about your childhood and now a bit of your adulthood. How did you find your purpose through it all?

Wadzi: Finding your passion is crucial. I love money, not for wealth but for the independence and choices it provides. This led me to study finance. I advocate for following your passion, not societal or familial expectations. For example, my parents wanted me to be a lawyer, but I chose finance because it aligned with my interests. It's essential to know yourself and pursue what truly excites you.

Beatrice: In finding one's passion, you will encounter failures and challenges. How did you overcome yours?

Wadzi: At 26, I discovered I was HIV positive. It was a time when HIV was a death sentence for many. I chose to live my best life despite the diagnosis. Failure and challenges are part of life, but it's about picking yourself up and moving forward. I've learned resilience through my journey with HIV and other personal struggles, like leaving a toxic marriage. It's crucial to see challenges as opportunities for growth.

Beatrice:  Wadzi what motivates you to continue pushing forward?

Wadzi: My biggest motivation is my family. Love is the foundation of our family, and it drives me. I also draw strength from the UN Charter of Human Rights, which I consider my guiding principle. Love and compassion are central to my existence. Accepting and loving yourself, despite societal pressures, is vital. Self-love allows you to extend love to others.

Beatrice: Wadzi,  How can one reach a level of self-love?

Wadzi: Unlearning societal expectations is crucial. Social media often portrays an idealized version of life, which can be misleading. Be your authentic self. Accept your strengths and flaws. It's essential to know and love yourself fully, including your imperfections. Practice gratitude and self-compassion. Show up for yourself every day, and remember that self-love is a journey.

Beatrice: Do you often feel gratitude?

Wadzi: Every single day!. I have experienced severe depression. Gratitude has been a cornerstone of my recovery. I believe in showing gratitude to myself for surviving and thriving. Practicing gratitude helps me stay grounded and motivated. Each day is an opportunity to be thankful for life and to contribute positively to the world.

Beatrice: You spoke about rejection, your health status, and how you dealt with those challenges. What advice would you give to people dealing with depression, debilitating sicknesses, and having a very tough life at the moment?

Wadzi: First, I want to acknowledge the immense difficulty and pain that comes with facing such challenges. I have been there, and I understand how overwhelming it can feel. Here are a few pieces of advice that I hope can offer some comfort and guidance:

1. Seek Professional Help: If you're dealing with depression or a serious illness, it's crucial to seek professional help. Therapists, doctors, and support groups can provide the necessary tools and support to navigate these tough times.

2. Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself. It's okay to have bad days, to feel weak, and to ask for help. Remember, your worth is not defined by your productivity or how well you seem to be coping.

3. Find Small Joys: Look for small moments of joy in your day. It could be a favorite song, a walk in the park, or a warm cup of tea. These small moments can help build a reservoir of positivity that you can draw from during tougher times.

4. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who love and support you. This could be family, friends, or even online communities of people who are going through similar experiences.

5. Set Manageable Goals: Break down your day into manageable tasks. Celebrate small victories. Sometimes just getting out of bed is an achievement worth celebrating.

6. Stay Authentic: Always be true to yourself. Even when facing health challenges or societal rejection, your authentic self is your most powerful asset. Embrace it.

7. Keep Hope Alive: Even in the darkest moments, try to hold onto hope. Life can change in an instant, and often, it’s persistence and resilience that lead to the most profound breakthroughs.

8. Focus on What You Can Control: There are many aspects of life that are beyond our control. Focus on what you can do today to improve your situation, even if it's a small step.

9. Gratitude: Try to practice gratitude daily. It might sound cliché, but focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack, can significantly shift your mindset.

10. Live Your Best Authentic Life: Embrace who you are fully and live your truth. Authenticity leads to genuine happiness and fulfillment.

Beatrice: Thank you very much, Wadzi. Before we conclude, could you share the three core values or principles that hold your life together?

Wadzi: The first is compassion. You must have compassion for yourself and for others. Everybody is going through something. The second is authenticity. Believe in your authentic self. The world will adjust. And the third is kindness. You don't know what anybody else is going through. Compassion, authenticity, and kindness.

Beatrice: Lastly, what would you like to be remembered for? And what advice do you have for the African child?

Wadzi: I'd like to be remembered for being a maverick. I don't fit into a category. I come from Africa, but that doesn't mean that all Africans are the same. Be a maverick. Be intelligent. Be different. For the African child, especially the African girl child, get educated. Learn. Education opens up opportunities. And remember, you can always ask for something. Even if you get a no, it's okay. But if you don't ask, you'll never know if a yes was possible.

Beatrice: Thank you very much, Wadzi. What a lovely conversation.

Wadzi:  Thank you, Beatrice. It was a pleasure.