Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Second Republic’s stance on opening opportunities for women in leadership positions is a progressive posture that will expedite development initiatives in the country, the chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community and SME Development, Honourable Gertrude Mutandi, has said.
Speaking during the Manicaland 2026 Provincial Women’s Day commemorations held at Grassflats Primary School, Mandere Business Centre, Chipinge, today, Honourable Mutandi said the days when it was believed a woman’s place was only in the home and not in decision-making spaces were over.
The event was held under the theme: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.
“Growing up, leadership spaces were often seen as places for men. Women were expected to remain in the background, to support quietly and never to lead openly,” she said.
“Even when one had the ability, confidence or ideas, society would still ask: ‘Can a woman really lead?’ When I became involved in leadership and public service, I encountered resistance.
“Some people would openly said politics and leadership were too difficult or too dirty for women. Others believed that a woman’s place was only in the home and not in decision-making spaces.
“At times, these words were discouraging and painful. But I refused to allow those beliefs to define my future. I continued to work hard, to participate, to speak up and to represent my community with dedication.
“Along the journey, I realised that when women are given opportunities, they deliver results, strengthen communities and inspire future generations,” said Honourable Mutandi.
