Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
A number of Bulawayo visionary women driving change in business and leadership were spotlighted at the recent Imbokodo Women Business Awards as they are positively contributing to economic development.
The awards, themed: “Empowered Women Empower Women — Trailblazing Leadership in Business”, honoured female entrepreneurs, executives and leaders who are transforming communities through innovation, resilience and leadership.
Hosted by the Youth Network Connect the awards were more than a celebration, but a movement that saw over 45 women walk away with accolades.
In an interview, Best Female Entrepreneur, Ms Shyleen Ncube of Outerlook By Shy, said she was inspired to be recognised as part of the people driving to change industry for the better.
“This is a collective responsibility to positively contribute to the economic development of the country. As you are aware women in business face a number of hurdles like limited access to capital and lack of collateral, compounded by sociocultural barriers such as gender discrimination and traditional expectations regarding family and work.
“However, such awards recognise our resilience and adaptability as we go through a lot to overcome our destitutions. The resilience seed only germinates when we first learn how to recognise the qualities and triggers of the hardship initiates,” she said.
As a woman in the beauty industry, she said they faced significant challenges, including market saturation, evolving consumer expectations, and the rising costs of sustainable and ethical practices.
Ms Ncube said the digital landscape, driven by social media, also creates pressure to keep up with viral trends and maintain a brand image under constant scrutiny, and adapting was the only solution.
“To stay relevant in the beauty industry, you must continuously learn, adapt and connect by attending trade shows, following influencers, taking online courses and joining professional groups to stay updated on trends and techniques.
“You also need to embrace new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality for unique customer experiences. Being recognised at the Imbokodo Women Business Awards shows that we are on the right track and we need to continue to up our game in this industry,” she added.
Walking away with the Best Innovative Product Range, Ms Orippah Tinango from Nofnan Investments, said in this era, innovating was key for businesses.
“Nowadays innovating in each and every business and sector is critical, you have to move with the times or you perish. Your products should demonstrate meaningful consumer and in some instances there is need for redesigning and coming up with new formulations these days which are user-friendly or ‘green’,” she said.
She said being innovative provided businesses a competitive advantage, enables adaptability to market and technological changes, drives growth by creating new products and revenue streams among other things.
Ms Violet Mhute, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Soko Genuine Leather who walked away with the Best Leather Manufacturer, said as Bulawayo businesswomen they were rising above the stigma and resistance from some men who want to lead in sectors such as the leather industry.
“These awards recognise the strides we are making as women and for us in the leather industry, these them accolades speak to us generating livelihoods which are sustaining our families,” she said.
She said she has been excelling in the leather value chain through resilience, consultations and hard work, while she was a fashion designer who is passionate about designing leather products.
Youth Network Connect secretary-general Ms Anamaria Mawere said the awards were founded to acknowledge women’s critical roles in commerce, leadership and social transformation, as historically, they have been underrepresented in leadership forums.
