By Tatenda Gabi.
The inaugural Women in Leadership Summit, held yesterday in Harare, brought together influential women from Zimbabwe and around the world to discuss the pivotal role women play in social, economic, and political transformation. Delegates emphasized the importance of platforms like this summit in uplifting and empowering nations.
Under the theme “Accelerating gender parity through collective action: Strengthening accountability and solidarity to transform policies into tangible progress,” the summit featured a panel of inspiring leaders, innovators, and change-makers from across Africa. Participants shared success stories and confronted the challenges women face in today’s digital era.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, highlighted the need for intergenerational connections among women. She stressed that the vision articulated at the summit must resonate with and inspire the next generation of leaders. “We must also never forget the historical antecedence of the liberation struggles,” she stated, underscoring the significance of women’s participation in those movements.
Senator Mutsvangwa called for accelerated efforts to create rural workspaces for women, noting that many women still face significant challenges in rural economies. “Every effort must therefore be made to lessen the drudgery of the rural economy,” she said, emphasizing the importance of addressing rural poverty.
Dr. Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico Security Services, echoed these sentiments, advocating for education as a means to empower women and girls. “Zimbabwe is symbolic of empowerment because of the push for education,” she remarked, urging continued support for women in rural areas.
Victoria Ruzvidzo, Editor of The Herald, addressed the growing issue of cyberbullying, which she said impedes women’s progress across various sectors. “We need to stand up as women to fight it,” she urged, encouraging attendees to familiarize themselves with the Data Protection Act to ensure digital safety.
Christian Aid country director Oline Chapisa spoke about the enduring issue of violence against women and girls, calling on the church to take a stand against this long-standing immorality. “The church has the biggest audiences and is tasked to eradicate violence against women and girls,” she asserted.
The Women in Leadership Summit is poised to grow into a powerful movement, creating opportunities and platforms to unleash the untapped potential of Zimbabwean women. Delegates left the summit inspired and committed to driving change, forging new paths toward a brighter future for all African women.
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