Economic analyst, Shumbambiri – Mutsopotsi honoured in Geneva for ‘Women Leading Change’

At the recent Female Wave of Change (FWOC) Global Conference in Geneva, economic analyst, Gladys Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi, received the prestigious “Women Leading Change” award for her exceptional work in financial literacy among Zimbabweans.

The award, which recognises women who have made significant contributions to societal change, highlights Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi’s dedication to developing financial literacy for women and children in Zimbabwe.

FWOC President, Tebello Mokhema, praised Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi’s work that has huge socio-economic impact.

“This award is called the Women Leading Change. And this particular individual is an alumni from the Women Leading Change Programme, who, since completing the transformative journey, has implemented not just change but the change that the world really needs right now and has done so in an authentic feminine manner,” Mokhema said.

Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi’s journey began in 2018 when she completed the Women Leading Change Programme. Her work has since taken flight, particularly in the area of financial literacy for marginalised women and girls.

“This particular individual, after completing this programme in one of the first groups in 2018-2019, has really taken off and is doing great work on developing financial literacy for women and girls in Zimbabwe,” Mokhema added.

She further noted the uniqueness of Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi’s approach adding: “Because she is talking to the women from backgrounds where financial education is not something they would have thought of. But she also does it in a manner that talks to them in their communities.”

One of Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi’s notable initiatives is a financial literacy camp she conducts for young children.

Twice a year, in June and December, she takes groups of children on educational camps that teach them the basics of finance.

“When she introduced the programme for young children and wanted to start teaching them over the holidays, it was just all over there. So, in June, she takes the kids on a camp and teaches them about finance and also in December during summer. She’s really become a role model and a wave of change for women in that part of the world,” Mokhema explained.

Upon receiving the award, Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi expressed her gratitude for the recognition.

“What a great honour to be awarded in Geneva at the Female Wave of Change Global Conference for the financial education work that I am doing. I am really humbled and so grateful for all the support that I get to keep doing the work that I so love and am passionate about,” she said.

A seasoned trainer, author, and mentor, Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi has developed managerial training programmes such as the International Labour Organisation’s Women at Work initiative at Mustard Seed Advisory (MSA).

Her qualifications include an MBA and a BSc in Economics from the University of Zimbabwe. Her work spans business consultancy, coaching and financial advisory.

A former senior economist at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, she was instrumental in pioneering a Monetary Policy Implementation matrix and has co-authored research on economic management during hyperinflation.

In addition to her role as a 13-time award-winning entrepreneur, Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi continues to drive financial literacy projects, not only in Zimbabwe but also with global organisations, demonstrating a continued commitment to empowering women and children in the financial sector.-ebsinessweekl