As Zimbabwe marked Defence Forces Day, decorated former military officer Minie Baloyi took to social media to reflect on her groundbreaking career and the journey that shaped her into the leader she is today.
Baloyi, who rose through the ranks from a young officer, expressed gratitude to the commanders who mentored her and to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for allowing women to prove their worth alongside men.
In a post accompanied by an excerpt from The Herald-Zimbabwe dated 12 August 1998, she recalled her role in a landmark mission in Angola, where she became the first woman in the world to command a peacekeeping platoon a feat that earned her a feature in a United Nations magazine.
“I’m so grateful to the commanders who assisted to shape me to be where and what I am,” she wrote. “I’m also grateful to the organisation for allowing us to prove our worth regardless of gender.”
Her story stands as a testament to the role Zimbabwean women have played in military history, breaking barriers and setting international precedents in peacekeeping operations.
