Celebrating the invisible engines of progress

Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

ZIMBABWE has stepped up its drive to unlock women’s full economic and leadership potential as the Second Republic intensifies gender equality and empowerment programmes in partnership with key national stakeholders.

The renewed national momentum behind women’s empowerment took centre stage yesterday in Bulawayo, where the country’s largest integrated media house, Zimpapers (1980) Limited, hosted the Weaving Women’s Influence into Zimbabwe’s Growth Story Conference in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

The conference brought together female executives from both the private and public sectors, entrepreneurs and policymakers, who shared experiences and insights, with many calling on women to seize emerging opportunities and rise to occupy strategic leadership and decision making positions.

Held under the theme “Women Driving Zimbabwe’s Rise,” participants expressed their readiness to play a greater role in national development through meaningful engagement in leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives.

In a keynote address delivered on her behalf by Deputy Minister Kiven Mutimbanyoka, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe had reached a critical point in its pursuit of economic recovery, industrialisation and inclusive prosperity.

She said women must be active drivers of this national agenda, describing them as the backbone of development rather than passive participants.

Senator Mutsvangwa said women continue to shape the economy across all sectors, from agriculture and informal trading to corporate leadership and innovation, playing a vital role through resilience, creativity and determination.

“Too often, however, the labour of women remains unseen. Beyond the celebrated leaders who command public acclaim, there exists a legion of unsung heroines, the supervisor ensuring production targets are met, the technician safeguarding critical systems, the administrator sustaining organisational rhythm, and the young professional injecting fresh ideas into stagnant spaces.

“These women are the invisible engines of progress, translating vision into reality and fortifying the resilience of our economy. A nation does not ascend from its summit alone, it rises from its foundations. Recognition, therefore, must cascade across every level, for inclusivity is not a rhetorical flourish; it is a deliberate strategy for national transformation,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The minister said women dominate the entrepreneurial landscape as traders, manufacturers, agri preneurs and service providers, creating employment, sustaining families and driving local economic growth.

She said Government under the Second Republic had introduced targeted initiatives including the Women’s Development Fund, the Zimbabwe Women Microfinance Bank and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO), aimed at removing barriers and improving access to finance for women led enterprises.

Minister Mutsvangwa emphasised that the programmes were investments in national growth rather than acts of charity and urged women to remain prepared and continuously acquire skills to effectively capitalise on opportunities.

Lupane State University director of quality assurance, Dr Shynet Chivasa, said Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 places human capital development at the centre of industrialisation, innovation and inclusive growth.
“When we educate, skill, and empower women and girls, we don’t just change individual lives, we shift the development trajectory of entire communities and the country. At LSU, we have deliberately re oriented our policies, programmes and culture to embrace gender inclusivity across the institution.

“Our student body currently numbers is 60 percent female students. This means that women are not only present on our campus, but they are also the majority in our classrooms, laboratories, lecture theatres and clubs and their perspectives are central to the academic and social life of the University.”

Dr Chivasa said the institution’s commitment extended beyond academics into community outreach programmes that equip women with business, financial literacy and management skills.

The conference was supported by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), NetOne, Seedco, Old Mutual and Lupane State University.

In her remarks, NRZ acting general manager Mrs Ainah Dube Kaguru, represented by Mrs Lynn Magodora, said the gathering demonstrated the strength of collaboration and networks.

She said Zimbabwe’s initiatives were aligned with the Women’s Month international theme “Give to Gain” and the United Nations theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”

“We celebrate contributions at every level. In our boardrooms, women are steering policy and strategy with wisdom and foresight. On the frontlines, in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and tourism, women are driving productivity, innovation, and resilience. Their leadership is not confined to titles; it is expressed in action, in courage, and in the determination to uplift communities,” she said.

City of Bulawayo corporate communications manager Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said women play an indispensable role in driving development.

“In short, women cannot be excluded from the inclusive development of our nation. Bulawayo has a total population of over 650 000, with women accounting for over 358 000. This translates to 53 percent of the city’s population,” she said.

Other speakers included entrepreneur Mrs Mary Simango, who emphasised the importance of financial discipline, and Dr Nothando Moyo, who spoke on personal development and self growth.