Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
TWENTY-TWO female leaders were recently honoured by President Mnangagwa for their exceptional leadership in their spheres of influence.
The event took place at the State House in Harare.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa came first, followed by ZANU PF National Chairperson and Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and Senate President Mabel Chinomona.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry, Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, Judge President of the High Court Justice Mary Zimba-Dube, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza and Prosecutor-General Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo were also honoured.
Other notable award recipients were Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba, Central Intelligence Organisation deputy director-general Dr Bennita Mapaona, Deputy Commissioner-General of Police Lorraine Chipato, Deputy Commissioner-General of Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Christine Manhivi and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe deputy governor Dr Jesimen Chipika.
Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Commodore Ellen Chiweshe, Zimbabwe Land Commission chairperson Dr Tendai Bare, Gwanda State University Vice-Chancellor Professor Doreen Moyo, Brigadier-General Lydia Mambondiani, Air Force of Zimbabwe combat pilot Captain Chipo Matimba, Securico chief executive officer Dr Divine Ndhlukula, Mutapa Investment Fund chairperson Chipo Mtasa and Insurance and Pensions Commission Commissioner Dr Grace Muradzikwa were also honoured.
The Second Republic has continued to honour women and reaffirm that they too can hold leadership positions.
Justice Matanda-Moyo attributed her recognition to teamwork, saying: “If one misfires, then we all misfire.”
“I’m feeling excited, but this is a result of teamwork. Teamwork from members of the National Prosecuting Authority, from the police, ZACC (and) all our stakeholders, because we all work together,” she said.
The prosecutor-general reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring a safe environment for the general public. Captain Matimba, who is the country’s first female combat pilot, described her award as “really special”.
Minister Rwodzi said President Mnangagwa’s “zeal and support for women” was heartening.
“Let me say I am feeling happy and honoured, as you just said, by the leader of the country, His Excellency, a man who respects women and a man who has so much zeal and support for women.
“A man who wishes women can excel in whatever that they are good at . . . he lets us dream and lets us go with what we dream about and opens the door for any woman who has the ability and capacity to do anything.
“So, let me give my gratitude to him and also to the First Lady, who is the patron of the ministry that I am leading,” she said.
“We also have some in management and in other sectors of aviation,” she said.
Air Commodore Chiweshe, who was the first woman to attain the rank of Air Commodore in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, said she was elated and wanted to tell the girl child that “it is possible.”
“I am very happy because of this award. I have been awarded for being the first Air Commodore and also the first female base Commander in the Air Force.
“I would like to say to other women out there, it is possible,” she said.
Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa said women continue to make a positive impact on society.
In her vote of thanks, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said that as women, they felt honoured by the Second Republic’s creation of an environment where women can participate across the board.
