Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Reporter
EMPOWERING women is not just a social responsibility, but a strategic priority for organisations seeking to remain resilient and sustainable in a rapidly changing world, Zimpapers board chairperson Mrs Doreen Sibanda has said.
Speaking at the Zimpapers Ladies Luncheon held in Harare yesterday to honour female employees as part of commemorations for International Women’s Day, Mrs Sibanda said the occasion provided an important opportunity to recognise the contribution of women to the organisation’s growth and success.
She said women continued to play a central role across the company’s departments, helping shape the voice of the institution while strengthening its operations and influence.
The event, held under the theme “Empowered Women. Sustainable Futures”, brought together women from across the organisation’s departments for a day of reflection, learning and celebration.
International Women’s Day, commemorated annually on March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while also highlighting the need to accelerate progress towards gender equality.
“International Women’s Day gives us a moment to pause and reflect on progress made in advancing gender equality, while also recommitting ourselves to the work that still lies ahead.
“For Zimpapers, this day is also about appreciating the dedication, creativity and professionalism that our female colleagues bring to the workplace every day,” Mrs Sibanda said.
Empowering women socially, economically and professionally, she said, strengthens institutions and helps build more inclusive and resilient workplaces.
“When women are empowered socially, economically and professionally, institutions grow stronger, become more inclusive and more resilient. As a board, we recognise that gender inclusion is not simply a social responsibility; it is a strategic priority. Organisations that value diversity, support well-being and nurture talent are better positioned to adapt, innovate and lead,” Mrs Sibanda said.
Speaking on behalf of the Zimpapers Group CEO Mr William Chikoto, the Chief Financial Officer Mrs Prisca Makandwa paid tribute to the role played by women within the organisation, describing them as catalysts for innovation and progress.
She said women continued to demonstrate resilience and leadership both in the workplace and in their personal lives, helping drive the organisation forward even in the face of evolving challenges.
“Within our organisation, women are not just contributors — you are catalysts. You are innovators. You are leaders. Your resilience in moments of challenge, your compassion in moments of uncertainty and your brilliance in moments of opportunity continue to shape our identity and elevate our success,” Mrs Makandwa said.
She said Zimpapers remained committed to creating an environment where women have access to opportunities and support to grow and excel in their careers. Building a future with women at the centre was critical for stronger organisations and communities.
“As a company, we are committed to ensuring that every woman here has the opportunity, the platform and the support to thrive, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because a future built with women at the centre is a stronger, brighter and more prosperous future for us all,” she said.
The event also featured a session focusing on mental health and workplace wellbeing, highlighting the importance of prioritising personal wellness, particularly for women who often juggle multiple responsibilities at work and at home.
Speaking during the session, Zimpapers board member Mrs Sibyl Madzikanda urged women to pay attention to their health and recognise early warning signs of stress before it begins to affect their wellbeing.
“Stress is not always the villain. Sometimes it energises us and pushes us to deliver our best work, but when it becomes constant and overwhelming, it begins to chip away at our health and the very spark that makes us who we are,” she said.
Mrs Madzikanda said acknowledging the pressures faced by women and creating supportive environments was essential in protecting both mental and physical wellbeing.
Financial empowerment and wealth management was another major topic for the day.
Ms Rutendo Mangudya, another board member, spoke on the importance of cultivating a culture of financial discipline and the art of building wealth even from small and consistent savings.
“Many people do not realise how much money they are spending because they are not tracking it. When you begin to record your expenses, even the small things like buying chicken every weekend, you start to see the gaps and opportunities to save and invest,” she said.
Ms Mangudya said developing simple financial habits could help individuals gradually build financial security and long-term wealth.
“A simple way to manage money is to use a formula such as the 70-10-10-10 rule, where most of your income goes towards living expenses while the rest is allocated to giving, saving and investing. If you can live on less than 70 percent of your income, the difference becomes the gap that helps you build wealth over time,” Ms Mangudya added.
Other speakers included Zimpapers legal manager Mrs Daphine Tomana who shared insights on legal matters, encouraging participants to protect the wealth and assets they accumulate through proper estate planning, including trusts and wills.
The Editor of The Herald, Victoria Ruzvidzo, spoke on the importance of mentorship in career development, emphasising how guidance and knowledge-sharing between women would help shape stronger leaders and more confident professionals.
Participants also received health education focusing on the importance of early detection and screening for diseases such as breast and cervical cancer, which continue to affect many women.
In addition, employees benefited from on-site health and wellness checks offered in partnership with Replete Care and Island Hospice and Health Care, providing practical support and encouraging women to prioritise their health while pursuing personal and professional growth.
