Building supportive ecosystems for women entrepreneurs, leaders

The Women’s Desk of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC-WD) proudly hosted a transformative Women in Business Symposium on March 6, 2024 at the prestigious Cresta Lodge in Msasa.

This event was a significant part of the commemorations of International Women’s Day, a global celebration observed annually on March 8, coinciding with Women’s History Month.

The symposium brought together a diverse array of women entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders from various sectors, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue, networking, and learning.

It was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and determination of women in Zimbabwe to excel in business and leadership roles.

Participants engaged in insightful discussions, sharing experiences, challenges, and successes, while also exploring opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The event showcased the remarkable achievements of women in the business-world and highlighted the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in driving economic development and prosperity.

Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe responded by saying that we cannot run away from the situation and the issues of glass ceilings are real and numbers do not lie.

While reflecting on the business landscape in Zimbabwe, she reported that women are over-represented in small enterprises and under-represented in major economic sectors like mining, education, construction, financial services, and transport.

This was attributed to cultural barriers and stereotypes. In line with the previous speakers, the Commissioner submitted that what is missing is the men since women have been talking to themselves for so long. In this regard, men are needed in the midst and in such rooms.

The Gender Commission introduced a Women Rise in Politics initiative during the run-up to the 2023 General Elections in an endeavour to encourage and facilitate women’s participation in politics at the local authority, national assembly, and presidential level. She advised the delegates that power is not given, it is taken.

In an endeavour to level the playing field, she submitted that there is a need for relevant supportive laws such as the Gender Equality Act, and Sexual Harassment Act.

As a point of empowering fellow women, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo submitted that women should refuse to be used by men. In an endeavour to uplift deserving women, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has been ensuring that women are advanced based on merit since her appointment.

The top eight leaders at the NPAZ now have an equal number of females as their male counterparts.

Women should have the spirit of lifting one another the leadership ladders positions within the organisation and take the initiative to rise up the corporate ladder.

Structures such as the Network Centre for Women at WestProp have been critical in empowering women and WestProp’s organisational policy makes it mandatory to have at least 50 percent of the chief officers being women.

The Centre has been assisting female employees on how best to deal with stress in a dynamic environment and has been presenting Recognition Awards every quarter.

In empowering the female customer, WestProp Holdings has made it possible for women to purchase properties without collateral, and in this regard, more than 50 percent of inquiries in properties are by women.

Mona-Lisa chipped by presenting a question to Advocate Arthur Marara on the importance of having the right mindset given the realities that come with being a woman.

Advocate Marara

Advocate Marara also stressed the importance of aspiring women leaders having a compelling value proposition that would attract partners and form strong business relationships.

In closing remarks, panellists, including Captain Chipo Matimba, emphasised that every woman must strive to excel in her field, as anything is possible in life.

Ms Tatiana Ellis advised women to focus on three key aspects: mindset, surrounding themselves with quality individuals, and developing their skill set. She also emphasised the importance of communication, encouraging women to be assertive and intelligent.

Commissioner Mukahanana-Sangarwe echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of mindset and women supporting each other.

Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo challenged women to consider what they bring to the table and their contributions to their social and professional circles. She urged continuous education and learning to prepare for leadership positions.

During the plenary session, several important submissions were made and these included media advocacy. It was emphasized that media professionals should present facts and advocate for women’s rights. Fungai Munyeza highlighted the need to debunk the myth that women cannot work together effectively.

Participants stressed the importance of having personal legal counsel for advice and the need for courage in pursuing legal action against abuse.

There was a call for women not to keep quiet when assaulted and to speak out against such injustices.

Advocate Marara and Captain Matimba emphasised the importance of safe spaces for women, where they can be vulnerable and seek support.

Captain Matimba highlighted the need for women to accept their humanity and not strive for superhuman feats, emphasising the importance of self-care and time management.

The Gender Commission was mentioned as a safe space for women to report cases of abuse and seek assistance.

These submissions underscore the diverse challenges faced by women and the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and support systems in addressing these issues.-ebusiessweekly