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Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
Government has urged women to embrace lifelong learning, continuously upgrading their skills, embracing digital transformation, and seeking leadership training to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa made the call at the 2025 Motivate Women’s Forum Leadership Conference held in Harare last Friday.
Running under the theme “Innovation, Elevation, Celebrate”, the forum aimed at empowering women to reach new heights in their careers while providing tools for future growth.
“Innovation has the power to transform leadership and create endless opportunities for women,” Sen Mutsvangwa said.
“Women are leading groundbreaking changes in technology, business, governance, and socio-economic impact. By embracing creative thinking and problem-solving, we can effectively address gender disparities and open new pathways for future generations.”
Sen Mutsvangwa also reiterated that in today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation has become a vital requirement for achieving success.
She also urged women to break into traditionally male-dominated businesses by overcoming systemic challenges.
“Elevating women into leadership roles in politics, business, STEM, and entrepreneurship is paramount,” she added. “We must overcome systemic challenges such as gender bias, limited access to finance, and cultural barriers. Strengthening policies and legal frameworks that promote women’s inclusion and leadership will pave the way for a more equitable future.”
Renowned motivational speaker, Mr Arthur Marara also weighed in saying: “If you want to be successful, do not use gender as an excuse, because it is not about gender, but about your agenda.
“Any man who disrespects you is not a worthy client; a right one knows how to respect you.”
He also implored women to have self-esteem and never allow anyone to victimise them along gender lines.
“Let me offer you some advice, ladies. I often hear people using the phrase ‘you are a spoiled honey.’ But let’s be clear: if you cannot afford the things he is doing for you, you are not spoiled, you are poor, and you are a humanitarian case,” he added.
Ms Ethel Nyasha Gwanzura, a 25-year-old mechanical engineer who is currently specialising in the manufacture of chrome wash plants said: “I have learned that as a young woman, I have no gender barriers holding me back, I can do what other people can do without any discrimination.
“Regarding my work, I believe that women can do what men are doing. You can be a mechanical engineer like me, you can be a boilermaker, and there are many other things that we grew up thinking were jobs reserved for men.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the organiser and founder of the Motivate Women’s Forum, Mercy Matsika, said: “This was a great opportunity for women to network among themselves. I realised that men often support each other strongly, and we wanted to create a similar opportunity for women to support one another, allowing wealth to circulate within our community.”
She also added that the main idea was to create a conducive environment for collaboration between women and the Government.
The Motivate Women’ Forum Board has women drawn from all walks of life who bring with them not only their expertise in their fields, but their deep passion for empowering women and building a vibrant network of women supporting other women.
Other notable figures that were present included the Chief Director in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ms Lilian Takaendesa, Sub-Saharan Infrastructure Development and Entrepreneurship expert Dr Tinashe Manzungu, among others.
