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Mama Julia Chikamoneka: Difference between revisions
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'''Julia Chikamoneka''' (born '''Julia Mulenga Nsofwa''' and popularly referred to as '''''Mama Chikamoneka''''') (1910 — 20 March 1986) was a fierce activist and [[freedom fighter]] in colonial [[Zambia]]. ''Chikamoneka'' was a moniker she adopted to hide her identity when mobilising citizens to avoid being jailed, which happened quite routinely. The literal translation in [[Bemba|Bemba | '''Julia Chikamoneka''' (born '''Julia Mulenga Nsofwa''' and popularly referred to as '''''Mama Chikamoneka''''') (1910 — 20 March 1986) was a fierce activist and [[freedom fighter]] in colonial [[Zambia]]. ''Chikamoneka'' was a moniker she adopted to hide her identity when mobilising citizens to avoid being jailed, which happened quite routinely. The literal translation in [[Bemba language|Bemba]] is ''“it will be seen.”'' She was famously dubbed "'''''Mama UNIP'''''" for her relentless fearless often guerrilla tactics. | ||
Chikamoneka organised women protests against colonial oppression and was a founding member of the Women’s Brigade. The Brigade housed nationalist leaders, raised funds for the cause and organised events across the country.<ref name=stm>[http://www.missbwalyawrites.com/2011/10/mama-chikamoneka-freedom-fighter.html Mama Chikamoneka – Freedom Fighter], Seize the Moment, October 2011</ref> | Chikamoneka organised women protests against colonial oppression and was a founding member of the Women’s Brigade. The Brigade housed nationalist leaders, raised funds for the cause and organised events across the country.<ref name=stm>[http://www.missbwalyawrites.com/2011/10/mama-chikamoneka-freedom-fighter.html Mama Chikamoneka – Freedom Fighter], Seize the Moment, October 2011</ref> | ||
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==Politics and activism== | ==Politics and activism== | ||
Mama Chikamoneka became one of the pioneers of political engagement and activism for freedom from colonial rule. Her courage, bravery and pride won her fame and respect among women countrywide. She encouraged fellow Africans to determine the political destiny of their country. | Mama Chikamoneka became one of the pioneers of political engagement and activism for freedom from colonial rule. Her courage, bravery and pride won her fame and respect among women countrywide in fighting for [[independence]].<ref>[http://www.times.co.zm/?p=52212 ZAMBIA NEEDS TO DOUBLE GENDER INEQUALITY FIGHT], [[Times of Zambia]], 7 March 2015</ref> She encouraged fellow Africans to determine the political destiny of their country. | ||
In 1948, she and other freedom fighters formed the [[Northern Rhodesia Teacher’s Welfare Association]], led by [[David Yamba]], which was later transformed into a political party called [[Northern Rhodesia African Congress]] (NRAC). Late [[Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula]], who had just returned from studies in London, assumed its leadership. | In 1948, she and other freedom fighters formed the [[Northern Rhodesia Teacher’s Welfare Association]], led by [[David Yamba]], which was later transformed into a political party called [[Northern Rhodesia African Congress]] (NRAC). Late [[Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula]], who had just returned from studies in London, assumed its leadership. | ||
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Mama Chikamoneka was incredibly effective at recruiting and was often at the forefront of the protests and marches she organised. She also rallied women to boycott butcheries which abused their African customers and often sold inferior meats.<ref name=stm/> | Mama Chikamoneka was incredibly effective at recruiting and was often at the forefront of the protests and marches she organised. She also rallied women to boycott butcheries which abused their African customers and often sold inferior meats.<ref name=stm/> | ||
In 1951, political activism heightened and Mama Chikamoneka became a founder member of the Women’s Brigade and played a key role in raising funds for freedom fighters who were jailed by the colonial regime. After the transformation of NRAC to [[African National Congress]] (ANC), the members sensed inertia in terms of activism, leading to the formation of a breakaway named [[Zambian African National Congress]] (ZANC). Mama Chikamoneka mobilized several women to join ZANC, believing there was need for a more aggressive group with a sense of direction. | In 1951, political activism heightened and Mama Chikamoneka became a founder member of the Women’s Brigade and played a key role in raising funds for freedom fighters who were jailed by the colonial regime. | ||
After the transformation of NRAC to [[African National Congress]] (ANC), the members sensed inertia in terms of activism, leading to the formation of a breakaway named [[Zambian African National Congress]] (ZANC). Mama Chikamoneka mobilized several women to join ZANC, believing there was need for a more aggressive group with a sense of direction. | |||
ZANC was later banned, its leaders arrested and detained, but Mama Chikamoneka, with other women like [[Mama Betty Kaunda]], [[Emelia Saidi]] and [[Mandalena Mumba]], organized a new political party called the [[African National Independence Party]] (ANIP). They petitioned the colonial authorities over the starving families of the detained leaders and also fought legal battles for their release. | ZANC was later banned, its leaders arrested and detained, but Mama Chikamoneka, with other women like [[Mama Betty Kaunda]], [[Emelia Saidi]] and [[Mandalena Mumba]], organized a new political party called the [[African National Independence Party]] (ANIP). They petitioned the colonial authorities over the starving families of the detained leaders and also fought legal battles for their release. | ||
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==Awards and honours== | ==Awards and honours== | ||
Mama Chikamoneka was honoured for her role in the nationalist struggle by former president Kaunda, and when she died at age 76 in 1986 was given a state funeral.<ref name=stm/ | Mama Chikamoneka was honoured for her role in the nationalist struggle by former president Kaunda, and when she died at age 76 in 1986 was given a state funeral.<ref name=stm/> | ||
==Main references== | ==Main references== | ||
