Wenslus Murape
Latwell Nyangu
Women across the globe have found solace in all-women empowerment initiatives, which help them transform through different experiences.
Some of the initiatives is The Executive Branch which launched its first edition in May this year.
The initiative is a brainchild of United-Kingdom-based Ruth Kudzai, who believes in expanding the initiative throughout the world.
Executive Branch was held in Zimbabwe before another one in the UK and its mandate is to empower women through networking.
Plans for the second edition are already on cards and several women have shown some interest.
Ruth envisions a sustained wave of empowerment, where women continue to uplift and support each other, creating a legacy of positive across the regions.
“We are not just creating a one-time experience but we are building a community, a sisterhood, where Zimbabwean women can thrive together,” she said.
Ruth Kudzai’s commitment to empowerment extends beyond the Executive Branch.
Her brainchild, Stenom Foundation, is a testament to her dedication to uplifting communities and fostering entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe and beyond.
“Stenom is a platform designed to bridge the gap between aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders, providing invaluable mentorship and resources.
“It’s a space where dreams take flight, and where the next generation of Zimbabwean business leaders is nurtured.”
A natural leader with a deep-seated commitment to social impact, Ruth’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.
Her own experiences as a woman navigating the complexities of the professional world in the UK have shaped her vision for the Executive Branch and Stenom.
“I understand the unique challenges professional women face and I am committed to creating a world where those challenges are met with support and solidarity.
Ruth’s impact extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries of her initiatives.
Her story is a reminder that true leadership is not about power or position, but about service and compassion.
“The vision of the Executive Branch and Stenom’s efforts are to paint a bright future for women’s empowerment in Zimbabwe.
“Through these initiatives, women are finding their voices, their strength, and their place in the world.”
One of the participants, Emily said:
“It’s about more than just career advancement or business success but it’s about transformation, about finding one’s true potential, and about paying it forward.
“In Ruth, we find a leader who embodies the very essence of empowerment.
“Her vision, her passion, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting others are creating a ripple effect of positive change that will be felt for generations to come in Zimbabwe,” she said.
She said the experience was everything and more than just a meeting.
“I was overwhelmed with joy, awe, and gratitude.
“It’s all thanks to the multitude of women who came together to witness one another’s journeys, to share resources and winning tools.
“It’s a space where dreams are nurtured, ambitions are ignited, and where women find the courage to redefine their narratives,” said Emily.
The resounding success of the first edition sets the stage for an even more impactful second edition in May 2025.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter