Women breaking barriers

Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

Zimbabwean women keep breaking barriers in all sectors and their achievements serve as a clear demonstration of their unwavering determination to succeed.
Speaking at a Proweb high tea in Harare on Saturday, Energy and Power Development Permanent Secretary, Engineer Gloria Magombo said perseverance is critical in the journey to success.

The Permanent Secretary started her career as an engineer at a power station before she became a consultant and a regulator.

“I studied sciences at school and there were few girls in our class,” she said.

“I became an engineer by chance. I wanted to be a geologist and I applied for a scholarship and got it but on the day l was supposed to leave, l was given an engineering job.

“I worked at a power station and the first thing I noticed was that there were no facilities for women in the power plant. Some men would laugh as I passed by.”

Eng Magombo encouraged other women to keep on working hard and identify opportunities.

Zim Cyber City chief executive officer, Ms Tendayi Hlupo-Mamvura said a woman can do any job.

“My mother was a social worker and my father was a headmaster. I was privileged to have parents who taught me that there are no tasks for boys or girls,” she said.

“I grew up servicing cars, I also knew how to do welding. So that background shaped the woman l am today. Sadly most of us deprive our children of that. If it can be done by a man, any woman can do it. Because of my background, l can do whatever I set my mind on.”

Mutapa Investments chairperson, Mrs Chipo Mtasa said her father was a big influence in her life.

“I grew up in the Eastern Highlands. I went into a STEM class and there were six girls and I refused to be treated as a lesser person,” she said.

“My father was always encouraging and cheering me on. We need to be courageous. If you say l will make it, you will surely make it.”

Mrs Mtasa urged other women to always stand for what is right.

Boc Gases managing director, Ms Clara Mlambo said women from privileged backgrounds also need to work hard.

“My parents were very successful. They went to the United Kingdom on scholarships and did their degrees there. I was partly raised there. That privilege requires responsibility.”

Ms Mlambo studied Business Finance at the University of Zimbabwe, following her father’s footsteps.