BINDURA Nickel Corporation (BNC) managing director Thomas Lusiyano has said women are breaking barriers and redefining their roles in industries historically dominated by men.
For decades, societal norms have relegated women to the kitchen and home, limiting their opportunities for professional growth.
However, the late 20th and early 21st centuries ushered a shift towards educational advancements and legislative changes, paving the way for women to pursue careers in various sectors previously dominated by men.
Zimbabwe is one such country that although lagging other nations, is attempting to promote women in leadership.
“We are here celebrating brave and courageous women who are making their marks in previously male dominated fields. Women are making a mark in a dominated male environment,” Lusiyano said at the Women in Project Management Conference and Awards 2024 held last Friday in Harare.
The awards were hosted by the Women in Project Management Zimbabwe (WPMZ), a member of the Institute of Project Managers Zimbabwe.
WPMZ is dedicated to promoting women in leadership.
“On Tuesday we launched through the city of Harare a female leadership programme and this morning we launched another female leadership programme with the Ministry of Finance and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority [Zimra],” Centre for Organisation, Leadership and Development director Justine Chinoperekweyi said.
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He said Zimra and Treasury could play a pivotal role in boosting women’s economic participation.
He added that this could be done by implementing gender-sensitive policies and practices, which could help increase tax revenues to finance gender-focused initiatives.
“This approach not only supports women’s empowerment but also contributes to broader economic development goals,” Chinoperekweyi said.
Speakers at the awards ceremony noted that gender-sensitive policies were crucial in supporting female leaders.
Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank chief executive officer Mandas Marikanda was honoured during the awards ceremony for promoting women in leadership.
She got the Mentor of the Year Award.
CAG Travellers Coaches director Afra Nhanganga also won the Mentor of the Year Award.
Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development ministry secretary Mavis Sibanda, who was the guest of honour, said it was crucial for women to support each other.
“Let us continue to support, encourage and uplift one another as we strive for a more equitable successful future for women in project management,” Sibanda said.
Some of the other award winners during the night included OK Zimbabwe’s Sukoluhle Nkala, who scooped the Outstanding Project Manager Award together with Tafadzwa Chiwanza from Channel Construction.
The Digital Innovation and Transformation Award was won by EcoCash Holdings Zimbabwe software project manager Norleen Mutandwa and NetOne project manager Eileen Muchemwa for their innovative work in their field.
