malvernmugadzikwa
Fatima Bulla-Musakwa
THERE are many examples of women who have helped pave the way for their peers to break down barriers.
Zimbabwe’s insurance sector is one area where pioneering women have set the pace for others to make their mark.
Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) commissioner Dr Grace Muradzikwa has for long been a beacon of what breaking barriers for women means.
Rising from the position of managing director of short-term insurer NicozDiamond to her role as IPEC commissioner, Dr Muradzikwa has proved that women can do it, after all.
And she expresses confidence that the insurance industry is in safe hands with the upcoming generation of women.
“We now have more female chief executive officers and Cabinet ministers. No profession is still a preserve of men. At IPEC, we are deliberate about promoting women,” said Dr Muradzikwa.
“Starting with ensuring we have gender balance at all levels and targeted leadership development programmes and mentorship programmes, IPEC is a hub for female leadership development.”
Mrs Alice Shumba, who is the chairperson of Women Insurance in Zimbabwe (WIZ), an organisation set up in 2020 to look at the needs of women in the industry, is on a similar mission.
She is also the FBC Insurance managing director.
Mrs Shumba hopes that through the organisation, there will be more diversity and inclusion at the helm of insurance companies in Zimbabwe.
The statistic that out of the 19 insurance companies only seven are headed by women still worries her.
She is aware that there are historical reasons, particularly patriarchal beliefs that have kept some areas male-dominated.
“Now, as the insurance industry, we are promoting women to come out and take up those positions,” said Mrs Shumba.
“You will be surprised with the number of women who do not have confidence to take up those positions or jobs that are there for them. They actually let it go. Our role as WIZ is to inspire confidence in them.”
The association organises networking events where professional women in the insurance industry are given roles, like master of ceremonies, facilitators or coordinators, to build their confidence and harness their skills.
Through networking with experienced women, the novices or younger women are able to gain valuable information on how to make it in the industry.
WIZ has introduced outings such as playing golf, where the women have opportunities to meet potential clients for insurance.
The organisation has faced challenges, like battling with corporates that are not accustomed to letting women leave the workplace to attend a networking event.
“The major barrier are us women . . . ,” said Mrs Shumba.
“When you ask for one Friday from a month, you do not get as many women coming, probably because they prefer to focus on their work.
“But once you come to WIZ, it is part of work because in the insurance industry, we have brokers, insurers, reinsurers, those from the pension fund, funeral assurers. In fact, the whole market is covered.
“So, instead of sitting on your desk hoping that the client will come where you are, we are providing a platform to women in the industry to come and work.”
WIZ has even forged alliances with regional insurance bodies.
To ensure that the initiative is sustainable, WIZ formed a club that ropes in university students pursuing programmes aligned to the insurance industry.
Ms Sarah Tsitsi Dera, a National University of Science and Technology student reading for a degree in Risk Management and Insurance, is happy about joining the organisation.
“The programme has boosted my confidence levels, leadership capabilities and professional development,” she said.
“When they came during the semester, we were taught how to advance in the industry after gaining a degree.
‘‘Now, I know insurance can be a stepping stone to other careers.”
For Ms Mercy Mutasa, a University of Zimbabwe student studying Actuarial Science, networking and having a mentor turned out to be valuable for her, as she goes for her internship later this year.
“Not only can a mentor provide guidance and support, they also offer valuable networking opportunities and assist in how to navigate the challenges of working in a male-dominated field like the insurance industry,” she said.
“Also, I have gained skills and knowledge before starting attachment, learning issues affecting women in the workplace and how to handle them.”
Though passing the baton is a mammoth task, WIZ believes the mentorship project will raise another generation of young women who will smash the glass ceiling in the insurance business like their predecessors.
Online Reporter