Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
A FIVE-DAY women’s conference hosted by Messianic Family Centre International, concluded in Norton yesterday with the crowning of more than 400 women as chairladies by the organisation’s co-founder, Apostle Tegreth Mukono.
She said the crowning was meant to liberate women into positions of authority and empower them to lead with confidence.
Commemorating International Women’s Month under the theme “Royal Crown”, drawn from the Book of Esther in the Bible, the initiative was designed to place women at the forefront of national transformation, aligning with Vision 2030 and the National Gender Policy of 2025.
By formally recognising women as chairladies, the conference underscored the importance of equipping them with authority, mentorship and resources to lead projects in faith institutions, households and communities.
“We have crowned the women so that they are able to go into positions of leadership in the country with a free spirit, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and ready to serve in various offices that will help the nation,” she said.
“This recognition ensures that women are not only participants, but leaders who can influence communities and institutions for the good of Zimbabwe.”
Apostle Mukono said the crowning of chairladies was not only a spiritual affirmation but also a deliberate step to make the National Gender Policy a living instrument in communities and faith institutions.
She added that the initiative translates policy into practice within everyday leadership structures.
“The National Gender Policy must not remain on paper; it must be lived out through women taking authority in homes, churches and communities.
“By crowning these chairladies, we are ensuring that gender equity becomes visible, actionable and central to the nation’s development agenda,” said Apostle Mukono.
Newly crowned chairlady, Dr Ethel Gwasira, who is Head of the Mathematics and Computational Sciences Department at the University of Zimbabwe, said training and mentorship are critical in sustaining women’s empowerment.
“I was crowned to observe one of our church values to train and develop the whole person, helping women and girls identify their God-given gifts and talents for the transformation of the community and the nation.
“I believe that when women are equipped with knowledge and leadership skills, they become catalysts for both church growth and national development,” she said.
Ms Caroline Gambiza of Svosve Assembly said the recognition will enable women to return to their communities with renewed authority to organise and empower others.
“We are going to empower fellow women through mentorship and training, ensuring they have the skills to manage projects like farming and poultry, which sustain families and communities.
“As chairladies, we will work with professionals and outreach programmes to educate girls and mothers, proving that marriage or circumstance does not limit a woman’s ability to contribute to national development,” said Ms Gambiza.
Peter Tanyanyiwa