Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
THE City of Harare on Tuesday hosted an Executive Women’s Leadership, Wellness and High Tea aimed at bringing together female councillors and managers to promote leadership and networking.
The event was held at Rainbow Towers in Harare.
Speaking at the event, Harare Deputy Mayor Councillor Rosemary Muronda said the initiative had, for the first time, brought together female councillors and managers from the local authority under one platform.
“We have connected the administrative team that implements policies with the council leadership that shapes and oversees it,” she said.
“Our theme today is “Blooming in strength from personal wellness to institutional influence”. This message reminds us that true leadership starts from within. We cannot build a smart liveable city if the women leading it are worn down or running on empty.
“When we choose mental health, personal clarity and emotional wellness, we do not heal ourself; we strengthen the City of Harare, our policy decisions and our public service. Personal wellness is the engine that transforms how we show up, how we speak up and exercise real influence across every department and chamber of the City of Harare.”
Cllr Muronda said the gathering is a strategic commitment to gender mainstreaming, inclusivity and holistic wellbeing.
“During this high tea, as we share space, share ideas and fellowship, we will initially break down silos and embody gender-responsive governance in council operations,” she said.
“Inclusivity means every woman’s voice, whether from the administrative floor or the council desk, is heard, valued and sustained by the culture that prioritises our collective wellbeing.
“As female leaders, we carry a unique responsibility. We are the face of the capital city. We must model the shine of Harare, its elegance and its dignity. The beauty in the space today should send a clear message not just to the women with the City of Harare.
“We cannot truly model the shine of our city if we are broken, exhausted, or if our silence on the inside. That is why today it is so important we are here to normalise conversations that were once kept in the shadows, conversations about mental health, conversations about stress, conversations about menopause, grooming and executive styles.”
She added that taking care of one’s mind, body, and personal presentation should not be a luxury.
“It is what gives us the strength to lead with confidence and wisdom. Women of Harare, let us take our rightful place at the centre of rebranding our city,” she said.
“When we step out with inner peace, mental clarity and strategically rise, we change how our city is seen and how our communities are serviced.”
