Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has hailed women contributing to infrastructure development in the country, saying the contributions they make towards shaping the roads, railways, aviation systems, and public infrastructure can never be underestimated.
These remarks were made by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe, during the ministry’s commemorations of the 2026 International Women’s Day in Harare today.
It is being held under the theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls”.
“Today, as we gather to commemorate International Women’s Day, we also celebrate the remarkable women within the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development—women who are engineers, planners, administrators, technicians, lawyers, accountants, policy makers and leaders,” she said.
“The contributions each one of you makes towards shaping our roads, railways, aviation systems, and public infrastructure can never be underestimated. The International Women’s Day commemorations provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made, the barriers we continue to dismantle, and the responsibility we carry to build institutions that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all.
“In that vein, we celebrate the positive transformation we are witnessing within the sector as we see more women entering technical fields, assuming leadership positions and influencing policy direction in a sector which has traditionally been a male domain.”
Eng Makumbe reiterated the ministry’s commitment towards: Promoting gender mainstreaming across all policies, programmes, and projects; Ensuring equal access to training, leadership development, and career progression and creating a safe and supportive workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
“Distinguished guests, it is important to note that empowering women in transport is not only a matter of fairness; it is also a development imperative,” she said.
“Diverse leadership leads to better decision-making, innovation, and improved service delivery. When women thrive, institutions thrive and ultimately, the nation thrives.”
Eng Makumbe said this year’s theme was very relevant as it calls for them to protect rights, uphold justice, and take deliberate action to ensure that every woman and every girl, regardless of background or position, has equal opportunities to thrive.
“The theme also requires that we address structural barriers that limit women’s participation and advancement. It also requires us to confront unconscious bias, eliminate workplace discrimination, and ensure that our institutional culture supports rather than sidelines women,” she said.
She urged women in the transport sector to mentor young women entering the sector ensuring that future generations of women in transport will inherit a sector that fully recognises women’s potential and leadership
