Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
WOMEN remain central to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth and forging national prosperity, the President has said.
Speaking at the 2026 Recognition of Top Women Leadership ceremony at State House in Harare recently, President Mnangagwa said women continued to play a pivotal role in national development across political, social and economic spheres.
The ceremony honoured outstanding Zimbabwean women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, patriotism and dedicated service in sectors including health, tourism, law, academia, finance and governance.
“This occasion celebrates fortitude, resilience, compassion and sacrifice. It is our humble way to honour women whose unwavering commitment continues to transform lives, strengthen communities and contribute immensely towards national development and the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.
Despite challenges such as illegal sanctions and climate change, the President said women had remained key drivers of sustainable and innovative solutions; while nurturing families and strengthening institutions.
“As Government continues to implement National Development Strategy 2, women remain central to achieving inclusive growth, sustainable development and national prosperity,” he said.
He commended the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for her humanitarian work through Angel of Hope Foundation, which is spearheading programmes targeting drug and substance abuse, including rehabilitation centres such as the one in Mbare.
The First Lady has also supported vulnerable groups through initiatives like the Chambuta Children’s Home in Chiredzi and contributed to health delivery through the establishment of a nursing school under a public-private partnership model.
“This is complementing training of health personnel in our country for improved quality healthcare services within communities,” the President said.
“Her passion for social welfare has brought dignity and support to the elderly, persons with disabilities, child-headed families and disadvantaged communities.
“In the area of culture and heritage preservation, the First Lady’s work to promote Zimbabwean identity, indigenous knowledge systems and traditional gastronomy is applauded. Under her Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba Initiative, Zimbabweans, especially children and the youth, are encouraged to embrace healthy traditional foods, cultural values and sustainable lifestyles.
“Her efforts in promoting environmental conservation, agriculture, tourism and community empowerment are complementing the Government’s developmental agenda and inspiring women across all sectors to become agents of transformation and progress.”
In the tourism sector, President Mnangagwa highlighted the contribution of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, whose leadership has helped reposition Brand Zimbabwe.
He said international tourist arrivals rose by 11 percent to over 384 000 in the first quarter of 2026, while tourism receipts increased by 14 percent to approximately US$251 million.
Investment in the sector also surged by over 438 percent to nearly US$68 million.
“The ministry has promoted inclusive tourism development by empowering women, youths and local communities through cultural, gastronomy, sports and community-based initiatives,” he said.
The President also recognised women in the legal profession, including Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza and Prosecutor-General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, for their role in strengthening the justice delivery system.
He noted that women are increasingly taking up leadership roles in governance, with more female parliamentarians and Cabinet ministers contributing to policy-making and national development.
“Under the Second Republic, we have more female parliamentarians, some of them now chair six crucial committees of the legislature,” said the President.
“The current Cabinet equally consists of higher numbers of female ministers. I am pleased that so far, they are exhibiting commendable competence, professionalism and a hard work ethic.”
In agriculture, where women account for about 61 percent of farmers and provide 70 percent of the labour, President Mnangagwa said their contribution remains critical to food security.
“Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, and the work of women farmers is essential for food security,” he said, singling out Dr Divine Ndhlukula for her contribution as a farmer and entrepreneur.
He also acknowledged the role of women in the health sector, describing them as the backbone of efforts to achieve universal health coverage, as well as those engaged in philanthropy and community development.
President Mnangagwa urged women leaders to scale up mentorship programmes for young people and to continue championing inclusive development initiatives.
“Our development motto under my administration is leaving no one and no place behind. No one and no gender must be left behind,” he said.
He challenged stakeholders to create environments that allow all citizens to realise their full potential, describing gender inclusion as an economic imperative for sustainable national development.
“To all the women being recognised today, we say thank you for your sacrifices, leadership, compassion and unwavering dedication towards building a prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.
Some of the winners included First lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Senate president Mabel Chinomona, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi.
Other recipients were Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, Attorney General Virginia Mabhiza, National Prosecutor General Justice Loice Matanda- Moyo, Justice Priscilla Chigumba.
In academia, Professor Doreen Moyo was awarded as the only female Vice Chancellor aamong the 13 State universities, pilot Captain Chipo Matimba and Dr Divine Ndhlukula for her contributions in agriculture and business sector.
The First Lady’s award is in recognition of her outstanding execution of transformative initiatives and philanthropic work across the nation.
In her acceptance speech, First Lady Dr Mnangagwa said
she was deeply humbled and sincerely grateful to receive the recognition in the presence of esteemed national leaders and alongside fellow women colleagues.
The First Lady extended her highest gratitude to the President, whose visionary leadership and introduction of public sector performance benchmarking continued to propel the nation towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and the realisation of an upper-middle-income society, while ensuring that no place and no one is left behind.
“Inspired by this national vision, I have taken it upon myself, through the Angel of Hope Foundation, to contribute towards uplifting vulnerable children, empowering women and supporting communities in need.
“This award, therefore, does not belong to me alone; it belongs to every vulnerable child, every hard-working woman and every community partner who continues to walk this transformative journey with us,” she said.
The First Lady added: “Our efforts through the Angel of Hope Foundation are explicitly designed to align with the Government’s economic and social transformation agendas.”
Dr Mnangagwa said that as the nation navigates the transitional milestones of national development policies, uplifting communities remains a collective duty.
“True national development cannot be realised if our most vulnerable citizens are left behind. An award is not a final destination, but rather an inspiration to strive for even greater excellence.
“The modernisation and industrialisation of our beautiful motherland require unwavering commitment, transparency and dedication from each one of us,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also urged public servants and leaders to continue serving with integrity, compassion and diligence in advancing national development and improving the lives of citizens.
“I thank you, Your Excellency, the President, once again for this inspiring acknowledgement. I thank the people of Zimbabwe for their unwavering support and shared resilience. Let us remain united as we construct a modern, prosperous and inclusive society.”
