Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
MORE than 300 women from diverse backgrounds converged in Norton on Sunday for the Purim Conference, where participants were urged to rise into influential roles within their communities and faith institutions, aligning with national development goals and the 2025 National Gender Policy.
Commemorating International Women’s Month, the gathering emphasised unity across marital statuses and life circumstances, teaching women to embrace one another while confronting challenges of leadership, family balance, and spiritual growth.
Speaking at the conference last Sunday, Messianic Family Centre International co-founder Apostle Tegreth Mukono emphasised women’s involvement in projects that the church rolled out.
“As a church, we believe women must be at the centre of the projects we roll out, because their leadership transforms both homes and communities,” she said.
“When women are empowered to take part in these initiatives, the entire society moves closer to sustainable development.”
She said the church has deliberately designed projects that encourage women’s active participation, while also positioning them to assume leadership and decision-making roles.
She added that these initiatives are spread across different regions of the country, aligned with Vision 2030, and directly contribute to national development priorities.
“Our projects are not just about participation, they are about placing women in positions of influence where their voices shape the future of the church and the community,” said Apostle Mukono..
“We assist women with capital and resources needed to ensure that women’s empowerment becomes central to achieving Zimbabwe’s development goals.”
She said that the church promotes gender equity by encouraging women to rise into influential positions, with teachings that build confidence, excellence, and leadership capacity.
“We believe women can rise into positions of influence, and that is why we have lady pastors who are already shaping the direction of our church,” she said.
“Through our teachings, we urge women to be confident, to produce double, and to pursue excellence, because women matter in every sphere of life.”
One of the beneficiaries, Aspindale resident Mrs Winnet Chimombe, said the Purim conference empowered women to embrace one another, overcome challenges, and recognise that womanhood itself is a blessing.
She emphasised that support and unity equipped women for leadership and balance in family, faith and business.
“We were taught that being single is not a death sentence, you can still achieve the things you desire, even if you do not have a husband,” she said.
“As a woman in the business environment, I need to be strong prayerfully and listen to godly principles, because that is what has kept me standing.”
