IHRAM Literary Arts Influencer Mbizo Chirasha in an in-depth Conversation with Prolific Author and Leadership Expert Cynthia Chirinda

MC: Who is Cynthia Chirinda and how long have you been writing?

Cynthia Chirinda: I am a Zimbabwean author, transformation strategist, and peacebuilding practitioner whose work sits at the intersection of leadership, healing, and systems change. I am passionate about amplifying African wisdom, nurturing voices from the margins, and creating pathways for wholeness and legacy-building.
My writing journey began during my high school years—first through journaling, then through motivational columns, scripts for humanitarian causes and eventually books that blend storytelling, faith, and strategy. Writing has always been my way of remembering, reclaiming, and restoring.

MC: List a few of your publications.
Cynthia Chirinda: Some of my published works includes:

• The Connection Factor Series (Personal Growth, Women, Leaders)

• Can the Whole Woman Please Stand Up!

• Managing Transitions: Navigating Change with Grace

• The Whole You – Vital Keys for Balanced Living

• Destination Wholeness – Going Beyond Brokenness

• You Are Not Damaged Goods series (Reboot and Start Afresh, Blossom and Flourish, Transitioning from Tragedies to Triumph)

• Clothed By Love

• The Wealthy Diary of African Wisdom

• Intelligent Conversations – A Mindset Shift Towards a Developed Africa

• Whole Enough to Go: Embracing God’s Call in Imperfection

• HazvirambeZvakadaro: A Nation Cannot Break Where Its People Rise(Stories of Endurance and Faith)

MC: How many books and stories have you written so far?
Cynthia Chirinda: To date, I have authored over 14 books and several shorter publications. Many of my books are structured as reflections and wisdom compendiums rather than linear stories, and they often serve as tools for coaching, leadership development, or spiritual growth.
I’ve also contributed to multi-author works, articles, and spoken word projects that elevate themes of healing, gender, and African identity.

MC: Is the Zimbabwe Women Association still in existence and what is their current status?
Cynthia Chirinda: I am not directly affiliated with the Zimbabwe Women Writers Association at this time, so I cannot speak authoritatively on their current status. However, I deeply value the foundational role that associations like ZWW have played in nurturing the voices of women writers across Zimbabwe and beyond.

MC: What do you think should be done to revive the International Book Fair in Zimbabwe?
Cynthia Chirinda: The Zimbabwe International Book Fair holds deep historical and cultural value. Reviving it would require cross-sector collaboration—between government, creatives, diaspora voices, and education institutions. It should evolve to reflect modern publishing trends, digital storytelling, and the socio-political issues shaping Africa’s narrative today.
It must also become a space of creative justice, where both established and emerging writers feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

MC: What has killed the writing and book industry in Zimbabwe?
Cynthia Chirinda: Several factors have contributed: economic instability, lack of institutional investment, limited access to publishing infrastructure, and the undervaluing of creative intellectual property.
But the spirit of storytelling is still alive—it’s just searching for new channels. We are witnessing a quiet rebirth through digital publishing, spoken word, and diaspora-fueled initiatives.

MC: Does your work include themes of gender equity, social justice, and creative justice?
Cynthia Chirinda: Absolutely. My work is deeply rooted in themes of restoration, dignity, and voice—especially for women, youth, and marginalized communities. I write from a place of personal conviction and communal responsibility, addressing issues of gender imbalance, systems inequity, and the silencing of African narratives.
My books, programs, and speaking engagements all weave together spiritual depth with a justice-oriented lens.

MC: How are writers treated in Zimbabwe? Do you think they command some respect?
Cynthia Chirinda: Respect for writers in Zimbabwe is often symbolic rather than systemic. While writers are celebrated for their intellect and social commentary, many struggle with recognition, compensation, and policy protection.
We need stronger ecosystems that honor the contribution of writers not only with praise but with publishing opportunities, platforms, and legal safeguards.

MC: Do we have copyright laws in Zimbabwe and are they respected or followed?
Cynthia Chirinda: Yes, Zimbabwe does have copyright laws under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act [Chapter 26:05], which legally protects the rights of creators—authors, musicians, visual artists, performers, and producers. However, while the framework exists, enforcement remains a significant challenge.
Issues such as piracy, low public awareness, and limited access to legal recourse often undermine the effectiveness of these protections. In practice, many creatives are unaware of how to assert or defend their rights.
To truly safeguard intellectual property in Zimbabwe, we need stronger education around copyright, more accessible support structures for creators, and a cultural shift that values and defends creative ownership—especially in this digital age where works can be reproduced and distributed instantly.

Cynthia Chirinda is a Zimbabwean author, transformation strategist, and systems change practitioner devoted to healing, leadership, and legacy.
She is the Managing Consultant of Wholeness Incorporated, a consultancy advancing restorative leadership, purpose alignment, and African solutions for generational impact. Currently based in the United States, Cynthia serves in leadership roles within community organizations committed to social transformation through an Afrocentric and faith-informed lens.
She is the founder of Women Politicians Incubator Zimbabwe (WOPIZ) and served as Director of the Africa Reform Institute (ARI)—platforms focused on ethical governance and African renewal. Her work spans peacebuilding, trauma-informed care, coaching, strategic communication, and identity-centered leadership. Cynthia has authored over 13 books, including Can the Whole Woman Please Stand Up, Managing Transitions, and The Wealthy Diary of African Wisdom. She is also the creator and host of Intelligent Conversations with Cynthia and Women Rising in Africa, podcast platforms that amplify voices of transformation and feminine leadership. Her storytelling work includes the documentary Extra Mile, which celebrates resilience, faith, and purpose-driven lives. Cynthia is a certified Trauma-Informed Care practitioner, blending systems thinking with a healing-centered approach to support personal and collective transformation. She is a fellow of the Institute for Systems Change and Peacebuilding and a graduate of the Master of Sustainable Peacebuilding (MSP) program at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM).
Her initiatives have supported grassroots communities, public leaders, and diaspora networks across Africa, the U.S., and beyond.