Toast to a brighter future!

The year 2009 crept in quietly and one could be forgiven for wondering if people noticed that we were entering a new year.

For the first time since the introduction of mobile phones, I did not receive a single text message wishing me a happy new year and expressing hopes for a brighter future - something that some friends have attributed to the dollarisation of the economy - with airtime now being purchased in US dollars. I certainly don't want to think I've suddenly become unpopular, so, I'll opt to believe that people were generally too preoccupied to care. In my view, everyone is caught up in the struggle for survival and too busy for merry making.

A few isolated fireworks were heard somewhere in the distance, but I did not even bother to go out and see them - I could not be bothered to leave the warmth of my bed to watch fireworks at a few minutes past midnight.

Yet, despite the silence the characterised the year's entry, I could not suppress the hope, anticipation and excitement that I felt deep within.

Indeed 2008 was a tough year for Zimbabweans, particularly women. The troubles that bedevilled the country are too numerous to mention and included an inconclusive election followed by equally inconclusive power sharing negotiations, political violence, water and power shortages and a cholera outbreak to name a few.

But, thank God for new beginnings. If anything, hope has kept this nation going. So it is with hope that I greet the new year and I have hope that this year, life is going to improve, not only for me as an individual, but for Zimbabwean women in general.

So, here's to a brighter future and a better 2009!