Judith Phiri [email protected]
A DUBAI trip facilitated by a Bulawayo-based women’s empowerment group has opened new horizons for Zimbabwean women, offering them an opportunity to explore international opportunities, broaden their perspectives and gain exposure to different business environments.
Women of Strength and Dignity (WOSAD) took 28 women within an age range of 22 to 74 years, plus a six-year-old, from different parts of the country that include Mawabeni, Gwanda, Bulawayo, Somabhula, Shurugwi, Kwekwe and Harare to Dubai from November 4 to 9, 2026, to give them exposure beyond their daily routine.
In an interview, WOSAD Founder and Director, Mrs Thembelihle Madondo said Dubai is a city built on vision and enterprise and they wanted the women to see what is possible when they dream boldly and work with discipline.
“Beyond tourism, the goal was to instil confidence, business exposure, financial independence, and sisterhood. It was an opportunity for the women to learn on Dubai markets, packages and trades — and bring those lessons home to our work in mushroom production, bee-keeping, goat farming, poultry, cross-border trading, mining, hospitality and many projects done by women,” she said.
“Through debrief and action-planning sessions, mentorship groups, and teaching back to other WOSAD members, each woman will implement at least one idea from Dubai within 90 days. We have our WOSAD resident empowerment facilitator Mr Alson Bhebe who leads us on Empowerment Programs.”
She said the initiative had now become an annual event and that, in 2027, WOSAD would take the women to China as it continued to pursue its vision of empowering women to become self-reliant, confident and ready to lead, enabling their families, churches and communities to depend on them.
Mrs Madondo said their motto was that when one woman rises, she lifts a family and when many women rise, they lift a nation, while going forward they will continue empowering women and enriching communities.
An elderly woman who went on the trip, Ms Junior Jongwe (74) described the experience as an eye-opener, saying it had broadened her understanding and exposed her to new experiences.
She said the journey had provided her with an opportunity to learn new things, interact with different people and appreciate perspectives she might not have encountered in her everyday life.
“Despite my age, the trip demonstrated that learning and discovering new things should not be limited by age and the experience has left me with valuable lessons and lasting memories. I look forward to going to China as well next year,” she said.
Ms Nomathemba Nonceba Donga (42) said she was ecstatic about the journey, full of dreams and adventure.
“Just the thought of breaking the bonds of impossibility to reality that a simple person like me can afford to be in a first world country, it was just a dream come true.
“It was reassuring that even I can visit any place in the world God willingly. Attending church at Dubai Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church was one of the greatest experiences,” she said.
She said Dubai has a mixed bag of nationalities, however, when doing business that side one needs to be very diligent when it comes to buying, favours come with a price and she learnt not to believe by hearsay but by doing a physical check on things before engaging.
Ms Dongo said she had a chance to learn new places and explore the different lifestyles and picked up a few business tips.
“Business wise, I learnt to appreciate more what we do in Africa, that is providing a service wrapped with warmth and decorated with lots of ubuntu, in leadership umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.
“Dubai has the glamour, yes but I would like to appreciate the value we put in other humans in life and business (bumped into Egyptians, Gabon, Algeria business people who had a peace of mind doing business with a fellow sister from Zimbabwe),” she added.
“I also learnt that we already have riches; physical, emotional, spiritual, natural just that we do not realise it yet. I passed a comment to some white man in Dubai that their place is Heaven, fast track the conversation he responded saying actually Zimbabwe is Heaven.”
Mrs Nomusa Sibanda (54) said rhe Dubai trip has exposed her to several exciting business concepts, particularly in tourism, digital entrepreneurship, logistics, retail and technology-driven services.
“I have been particularly impressed by the integration of modern shopping facilities, hospitality establishments, real estate developments and efficient transport infrastructure.
“Some opportunities that I believe could be adapted to Zimbabwe include integrated property development by creating well-planned residential and commercial communities with reliable infrastructure and essential services,” she said.
“In tourism and hospitality, there is need of developing attractive destinations, quality accommodation and memorable visitor experiences. While on digital entrepreneurship, using online platforms, digital marketing and e-commerce to connect Zimbabwean products and services with international markets is a must do.”
She said there was need to empower women-led enterprises by establishing business networks, mentorship programmes and investment partnerships that support women entrepreneurs.
Ms Sibanda said in agricultural value addition, Zimbabwe could improve packaging, processing, branding and export marketing of the country’s agricultural products.
She added: “In logistics and trade, we need to invest in modern warehousing, distribution centres and efficient cross-border trade services. I believe the most important lesson is that successful entrepreneurship involves identifying demand, developing innovative solutions and creating value.”
Ms Sibanda said she believes Bulawayo has enormous entrepreneurial potential, particularly with its natural resources, skilled people and strategic geographical position supported by modern infrastructure and positive business practices.
