BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Achieving gender equality requires the total commitment of everyone, so that women and girls who have for long been marginalised, can reach their full potential, UN Women Country Representative Fatou Lo has said.
Lo revealed this in her solidarity remarks at the Inaugural Zimbabwe High-Level Women in Leadership Summit which was running the under theme; “Accelerating Gender Parity through Collective Action: Strengthening Accountability and Solidarity to Transform Policies into Tangible Progress”.
“Let us push forward the commitments to creating an environment where every woman and girl can reach her full potential and break the glass ceiling.
“Let us work together to break down the barriers that hold women back and build a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
“Let us constantly remember the fight for gender equality is a collective journey. It requires the dedication and commitment of every one of us. Together, we can create a future where women’s participation in leadership and public life is the norm, not the exception. Let us be the change we wish to see in this country,” said Lo.
She also revealed that the summit was a testament to the collective commitment to advancing women’s rights and ensuring women’s full participation in leadership and public life across all sectors.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants, women who have fought tirelessly for the rights we enjoy today.
“Yet, despite significant progress, we are reminded daily of the work that remains.
“Women continue to face barriers in economic empowerment, political participation, and decision-making processes.
“These challenges are not just women’s issues; they are societal issues that affect us all.
“Women’s participation in leadership and public life is not merely a matter of fairness; it is a prerequisite for sustainable development and peace.
“When women lead, we see more inclusive governance, more equitable policies, and more resilient economies.
“Studies have shown that companies with higher gender diversity in leadership outperform their peers.
“Similarly, countries with greater gender equality tend to be more prosperous and stable,” she said.
Lo also revealed that women had to be economically empowered as this is a cornerstone of gender equality. She revealed that women must have equal access to education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“We must dismantle the barriers that prevent women from entering and thriving in the workforce.
“This includes addressing the gender pay gap, ensuring access to affordable childcare, and promoting policies that support work-life balance.
“In politics and decision-making, women’s voices are crucial. We must strive for gender parity in all levels of government and public administration.
“This means not only increasing the number of women in leadership positions but also ensuring they have the support and resources needed to succeed. Quotas and other affirmative actions can be effective tools in achieving this goal,” added Lo.
Representing the private sector, Manyara Chigunduru, who is the CEO of Marianhill Chartered Accountants and the Immediate Past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe, said the summit was not only a celebration of the achievements, but also a call to action—a reminder that the journey toward gender equality in leadership is far from over and that solidarity is more important than ever.
“As we gather here today, I want to emphasize the power of solidarity among women.
“Our collective strength is our greatest asset. When we support one another, share our experiences, and lift each other up, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our individual achievements.
“We pave the way for the next generation of women leaders, showing them that there is no limit to what they can achieve.
“Solidarity means advocating for each other in spaces where our voices may not always be heard. It means mentoring and sponsoring younger women, ensuring that they have the guidance and support they need to navigate the challenges of their careers.
“It means celebrating each other’s successes, big or small, and recognizing that each step forward for one woman is a step forward for all women.
“In the private sector, solidarity also means pushing for systemic change. We must continue to advocate for policies that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay, flexible work arrangements, and inclusive hiring practices.
“But beyond policy, we must also challenge the cultural norms and biases that perpetuate inequality.
“This requires us to be bold, to speak out, and to lead by example—demonstrating that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential components of a thriving, innovative business,” said Chigunduru.
She also revealed that as a businesswoman and also standing in for the private sector, she has seen first-hand the transformative impact that women can have when they are in positions of power and influence.
“Women bring to the table a unique blend of empathy, resilience, and strategic insight that is crucial for driving sustainable growth and fostering a culture of innovation.
“Our leadership styles often prioritize collaboration over competition, inclusion over exclusion, and long-term vision over short-term gains.
“These are not just leadership qualities; they are the cornerstones of successful, forward-thinking businesses in today’s rapidly changing world,” she said.
She added that despite the immense contributions of women in leadership roles, they still face significant challenges.
“The glass ceiling, though cracked, has not yet been shattered.
“Women continue to be underrepresented in boardrooms and executive suites, and those who do reach these heights often do so at great personal cost.
“We grapple with the demands of balancing our professional ambitions with our roles as caregivers, mentors, and community leaders.
“We face unconscious bias, wage gaps, and a lack of access to the same networks and opportunities that our male counterparts often take for granted.
“But let us be clear: these challenges are not insurmountable. In fact, they are what make us stronger, more determined, and more united in our pursuit of equality.
“The very act of overcoming these obstacles has equipped us with a unique set of skills and perspectives that are invaluable in the world of business.
“We have learned to be adaptable, to think creatively, and to lead with a sense of purpose and compassion that drives not only profits but also positive social impact,” she said.
Chigunduru further revealed that as women leaders, they have the power to influence not only their organizations but also the broader economy and society.
“Our decisions impact not just the bottom line but the lives of employees, customers, and communities.
“With this power comes responsibility—a responsibility to lead with integrity, to prioritize social impact alongside financial success, and to use our platforms to advocate for the rights and opportunities of all women.
“In closing, I want to express my deep admiration for each of you here today. Your achievements, your resilience, and your leadership are a testament to the strength of women everywhere. Together, we are not just breaking barriers; we are building bridges—bridges that connect women across industries, sectors, and generations. Let us continue to stand in solidarity, to support one another’s growth, and to lead with the courage, conviction, and compassion that define us as women.
“The future of leadership is female, and that future is bright. Together, we will continue to empower, elevate, and excel,” she added.
Muchanyara Mukamuri, Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ), said that as an organisation, they believe that the advancement of women’s leadership is crucial to achieving gender equality and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
“We stand firm in our commitment to empower women at all levels of society, ensuring that their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their contributions are recognized.
“The Summit represents a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to elevate women into leadership roles across all sectors.
“However, we recognize that for true inclusivity and representation, it is imperative that grassroots women are not only present but actively engaged in these discussions.
“In this regard, the women’s movement has ensured the participation of women from the grassroots by bringing them to the table from all corners of Zimbabwe.
“Grassroots women, often overlooked in leadership dialogues, bring invaluable perspectives shaped by their lived experiences within communities.
“They are the backbone of local economies, the nurturers of future generations, and the defenders of human rights at the most basic level.
“This is why as the women’s movement we are making a case for women leadership and representation, not only at national level, but also at community level and at the very grassroots.
“Therefore as the women’s movement, we have concerted our efforts to mobilise diverse women from the grassroots to ensure their meaningful participation and representation during this Summit.
“We view this as an intersectional and strategic necessity for crafting policies and initiatives that are truly reflective of the needs and aspirations of all Zimbabwean women in their diversity” said Mukamuri.
She also revealed that as the women’s movement, they are worried about the numerous events unfolding in the country and across the globe.
“We have noted serious regression and push-back on women’s leadership not only in Zimbabwe but the world over.
“We continue to note that across the globe, that women persistently face numerous challenges—challenges that are often compounded by patriarchal systems, socio-economic barriers, and political violence.
“Yet despite these obstacles, women continue to lead with courage, with resilience, and with an unwavering commitment to justice.”
She also revealed that they remain committed committed to ensuring that the Women Leadership Summit serves as a catalyst for transformative change.
“By centering diverse women in these critical conversations, we are not only amplifying their voices but also building a more equitable and just society for all.
“Together, we can achieve a future where every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to lead, influence, and thrive.
“The women’s movement reaffirms its commitment ad readiness to work with the Government and all stakeholders in pursuing strategies to address the numerous obstacles faced by women in leadership.
“This summit is more than just a gathering of women leaders; it is a demonstration of our unity and strength.
“It is a clear message to all those who doubt or oppose our progress: that we are united in our resolve to create a world where women’s leadership is not the exception, but the norm,” added Mukamuri.
The summit which started yesterday, ends this Friday.
