In this edition of ‘You Must Know Them’, Identities Media was privileged to have a chance to sit down with a woman of influence, Dr Olivia Gumbo.
She is a philanthropist with over 2 decades experience in the development sector and she is also an author. We unpacked her latest book, ‘Parenting Children Of Influence In The Digital Age’ and this is what she had to say.
Identities Media(IDM); Tell us about yourself
Dr Olivia Gumbo (Dr OG) ; My name is Olivia Gumbo, I am 43 years old, a mother of three biological sons and happily married. I am a social accountability expert who worked in the development sector for more than 20 years.
My main achievements are when I see the six different policies that I actively participated in its formulation are being implemented by the Government of Zimbabwe and Lesotho that advance the rights of the poor and vulnerable groups. My key career highlights include my advice provision in policy analysis, public sector management, political economy analysis and democracy and human rights work.
I am philanthropist who support people living with disabilities especially those in Chiredzi. I have been supporting their initiatives for the past 10 years.
IDM; You just released a new book,in summary, what is the book about and what important elements does it capture?
Dr OG; This book chronicles the parenting tips of how to raise children of influence with a bias towards boys since I am raising my three biological sons. The book covers 15 important topics that covers:
i). characteristics of Generation Z and Alpha children- these are children born with technology on their doorsteps, are glued to digital world and find confidence with number of likes they get online.
ii). Social determinants- how the background of a child that include where they were born, where they live, academic and beliefs affect children’s growth and future.
iii). How parents should lead by example on screen time for children to be exposed to physical interactions
iv). Responsibilities of parents in grooming children, shaping their future and be a holistic being that co-exist with others well.
IDM; What is the importance of a father figure in a child’s life and what is your view on gender roles in terms of Fathers?
Dr OG; A father is important in a child’s life because;
i). He blesses his children with fatherly blessings and apostolic gift.
ii). Fathers bless their children for their legacy to continue.
iii). Fathers prepare their children for rulership, to lead in their sphere of influence, which can be in business, taking over chieftainships, or being pastors, they facilitate a successful transition of power.
God created males and females as equal, He created them to be mothers and fathers, while a husband should love his wife and a wife respect the husband.
There is a mutual relationship between roles of fathers and mothers at household level that makes children happy to be part of a loving family. God created a family to live in harmony not in conflict therefore gender roles are there to strengthen that.
IDM; What makes you wake up in the morning?
Dr OG; It is the understanding that I am created for a purpose, and I am a steward of what I have. I know that I was created to be a transformer of people, these can be poor, less privileged groups such as people with disabilities, women and children.
IDM; What do you see in the near future?
Dr OG; I see myself as an author of more than 5 books in my lifetime, books that ignite transformation in people. I believe the books will give me access to new relationships. I have noticed that I now have new friends and partners because of my first book “Its for you Lord”.
I see myself ministering to many people and spreading the word of God since I am a God-fearing woman. Career-wise I see myself recognized as one of the best African Social Accountability Expert.
I know the environment is fluid right now in Zimbabwe, but I see light coming in where Zimbabwe as a country and businesses will prosper again. This will be triggered by loving one another and using what we have to advance development.
IDM; How can fathers arise in their children’s lives?
Dr OG; They can do this by:
i). Preparing a succession plan for their children to continue with family legacy.
ii). Ensuring their children have the resources and capable people to guide them and walk with them in righteous paths.
iii). Train and equip their children especially sons to start adult life well.
iv). Be destiny-helpers for their children by giving their children practical steps to take to attain their goals and dreams.
IDM; What are your parting words or advice to your fans, readers and everybody who looks up to you?
Dr OG; On the journey of parenthood, one of the most important things we can do for ourselves, and our children is to become dedicated students to be better parents. No one can stand up and say they were born good parents, knowing all the ins and outs. Parenting is a process which requires we accept that learning is essential to becoming good parents.
I always say parenting is a ministry. It is not a straightforward job, and it needs God’s grace. Do not be ashamed to ask for professional help if you see you cannot handle some things your child goes through. This book will give you some tips while focusing on 15 different topics.
Disclaimer; Dr OG; I would like to acknowledge that there are children who do not have the presence of their biological fathers in their lives due to death or divorce.
These children can find father figures from their relatives (uncles, grandparents etc) or church pastors.
In the case where the mother is raising children alone without the presence of the father, I would like to express that they are equally capable to do this just as the father would. They also need to remind themselves that they are doing a wonderful job and that their children are no less natured because their biological father is not present.
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