Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
HARARE – ALTHOUGH traditionally perceived as a daunting and eerie profession, the death care industry is witnessing a notable increase in female participation, as women challenge long-held myths and societal expectations surrounding mortuary work.
Despite the sombre nature of the job, more women are now stepping into roles as morticians, undertakers and funeral coordinators professions historically dominated by men.
“I joined the industry in 2006 as an undertaker. I was inspired by the need to break gender stereotypes associated with the funeral industry. The first days working with dead people was a bit scary, you know taking care of strangers is something that is not easy to comprehend but as time goes on you get used to it. I’m sure the profession goes with a calling,” a seasoned mortician, Sihle Dube said.
While the number of women in the sector is on the rise, they still face several professional challenges from workplace prejudice to societal misperceptions.
Moleen Shumba, who studied Mortuary Science at college, explained the multi-faceted nature of the role.
“I did Mortuary science at college then got a job as an undertaker or mortician. I was impressed by other women who took up the profession and decided to join as well. As a mortician I am responsible for bathing and dressing the deceased bodies in preparation for burial. I am also responsible for transporting the body to the place of burial, coordinating and arranging funeral services together with the family. The work environment is not an easy one for us women because a lot of people underestimate our capabilities. Bereaved family members sometimes are not comfortable to work with a woman, they prefer men only to realize later that we are good at our job. Also our male colleagues do not respect us, they tend to use vulgar in our presence and it’s not nice,” she said.
The profession is not only physically and emotionally demanding, but it also carries cultural and spiritual stigmas. For many, joining the field is met with resistance from loved ones.
Tinotenda Peyani, another female mortician, recounted the reaction she received.
“When I told my family, they were shocked. My parents thought the work was associated with darkness, and my husband was initially unhappy. But he later realised it is just like any other profession. I take pride in my job because it allows me to build meaningful relationships with bereaved families,” she said.
Working in the funeral industry is no ordinary task, it demands professionalism, compassion and unwavering resolve.
For these women, it is not just a job, but, it is a courageous act of service in the face of loss and stigma.
