Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
THE Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development has called for enforceable affirmative gender-sensitive procurement regulations and policies. Globally, more women are joining the procurement sector, holding approximately 40 percent of roles and increasing leadership positions.
Speaking on “Challenges and possible interventions for women in procurement” recently at the Procurement Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) Women in Procurement conference 2026 in Nyanga, Women Affairs Director in the Ministry, Mrs Julia Mapungwana, said such regulations and policies were key to the economic empowerment of women-owned businesses and gender-responsive suppliers.
“Participation of women in public procurement provides market opportunities for women since the Government in any economy is the largest buyer,” she said.
“In Zimbabwe, women constitute 52 percent of our population and leaving them out is denying them access to economic justice.
“Our effort is to ensure women are enabled to participate in public procurement. However, despite a progressive and inclusive Constitution, women remain under-represented in the public procurement system.”
Mrs Mapungwana said in procurement, gender bias and stereotypes were persistent as social norms, and perceptions were that women lack competencies, as a result hence recognised as inferior performers than men.
She said women remain underrepresented in senior procurement positions and might not be well represented when decisions are made.
“Procurement roles often demand long hours, travel and high-pressure and negotiations. Women disproportionately shoulder caregiving responsibilities, making balance difficult,” she said.
“While business success depends on strong networks and mentorship, women frequently lack access to influential circles and networking,” said Mrs Mapungwana.
“Often, most women lack knowledge of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, Procurement Procedures, as well as the capacity to meet bulk orders, required quality and standards and compliance.
“They also find it difficult to compete with their male counterparts, while women-owned businesses are not yet being registered or accredited by the ministry, and it’s difficult for procurement departments to evaluate business ownership, resulting in the challenge of fronting and delays.”
Mrs Mapungwana called for gender-sensitive procurement regulations and the introduction of a quota system as well as some targeted tenders for only women-owned enterprises.
“There is a need for capacity building of women entrepreneurs on leadership, entrepreneurship, business ethics, mentorship, standards, quality, Public Procurement Act and procurement procedures,” she said.
“There is need to create women-focused business and procurement associations and for a. “Organisations such as PRAZ should facilitate regional and international exchange programmes to broaden women’s exposure in procurement. We need awareness programmes on gender responsive procurement for both women entrepreneurs and procurement officers.”
Mrs Mapungwana said there was need for introducing waivers on some provisions of the procurement regulations to allow for aggregation of supplies where women-owned SMEs/corporates will not be able to meet bulk orders or divide the bulk order into smaller lots.
She also said women in procurement are not just participants in supply chains, they are architects of value, negotiators of impact, and transformative leaders shaping the future of the economy to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.
“Let us commit to breaking barriers with courage, building networks with purpose and driving procurement practices with value for money, inclusive, equitable and impactful,” she said. “Together, we can transform procurement into a space where women thrive, lead and leave lasting legacies.
“I urge all of you to continue to drive value and impact not only for our organisations but for the generations of women who will follow in our footsteps.”
Presenting on Strategic Procurement Trends for 2026 and Beyond, Lupane State University (LSU) Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and a Senior Lecturer, Dr Sibongile Manzini called on women to adopt digital procurement and artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
“Also be able to make data-driven decision-making, adopt environmental, social and governance (ESG), sustainability, and inclusion in supply chains as women in procurement, ” she said.
