tawandamusarurwa
ENTREPRENEURSHIP MATTERS
Dr Kudzanai Vere
DESPITE the global push for gender equality, women are still relatively looked down upon when it comes to business and socio-economic contribution.
Women are, however, naturally adapted to be successful entrepreneurs.
They are both innovative and tactful.
But it has not been easy for them in business, as there, observably, has been bias towards masculinity in terms of employment opportunities and business matters.
This has to change.
The entrepreneurship terrain calls for women who consider themselves beyond the kitchen and laundry mind-set.
They have to untangle the primitive web of inferiority.
Lasting change always starts from the inside.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “No one can make you inferior without your consent.”
Over the years, several iconic women entrepreneurs such as Dr Divine Ndhlukula, the founder and managing director of Securico; and Jane Mutasa, the founder of Indigenous Business Women Organisation (BWO); among others, have emerged from Zimbabwe.
There is no doubt that many more will rise.
There are numerous organisations that have been formed to advance the cause of women in entrepreneurship, while gender equality is now at the centre of policies for most organisations.
Women can, therefore, use this emerging trend to their advantage and advancement.
Ten keys to unlocking entrepreneurship in women:
Desire
Ask any successful women entrepreneurs, and they will tell you that it all started with a deep-seated desire to make a difference.
Dare
Women need to be daring enough to take up entrepreneurship. Activate theadventurer in you and get into the ring. Just be courageous enough and roll up your sleeves.
Decide
You are a decision and an action away from the entrepreneur you should be. A decision now is better than later. You have every support in your entrepreneurship journey. Decide to take action. Indecision is a decision.
Deny
Refuse to be subjected to gender stereotypes. Come out of your shell and make a meaningful contribution.
Defend
You have your equal space in business that you need to guard jealously as women. Nothing comes easy.
Defeat
Don’t fight a losing battle. You might encounter a number of defeats but don’t allow your spirit to be defeated. Entrepreneurship is for the outstanding. Defeat every form of fear that holds you back. Set the stage on a different level altogether. Be with them but do not be like them.
Declare
Oftentimes, success comes to those who declare it beforehand. Tell yourself that you can do it and proceed to do it. Such kind of declarations arouse the spirit into action. Business is for those who continuously remind themselves of the worthy cause at hand and ahead of them.
Dedicate
Dedicate time for your entrepreneurship pursuits. Time spent thinking about business is never time wasted. It only becomes wasted when the idea does not materialise.
Display
Entrepreneurship and business are never good enough as ideas and thoughts in your head. The idea should come to life. You will remain invisible unless you display to the world what you are capable of achieving as women.
Dominate
Do not be second best. Dominate in your business and defy stereotypes. But dominance never comes as easy as it is said.
There will always be stiff competition from your male counterparts. The best way is never to compete but complement their efforts in your own unique way.
It is never too late to start. The world awaits your contribution. You have every support needed to make a difference.
*Dr Kudzanai Vere is the CEO of Kudfort Zimbabwe and is also programmes director at the Institute of Entrepreneurs Zimbabwe. He can be contacted on: +263719592232 or [email protected]
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