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Prosper Ndlovu in Victoria Falls

THROUGH inspiration from those who have made it, encouragement from home, self-belief, aggression and passion in pursuit of personal ambitions, women can break the leadership barriers and be champions of an inclusive and empowered society.

Gender equality, the principle that all individuals should have equal rights, opportunities and freedoms regardless of their gender, generated a lot of debate interest at the ongoing 2024 Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute of Zimbabwe (CGAIZ) Conference where successful women leaders had the opportunity to share their transformation stories.

In a male-dominated world and in Africa, where conservative cultural values remain strong, the women leaders said breaking leadership barriers has not been easy, and is still not easy for many.

Former Zimbabwean Ambassador to Zambia, Ms Getrude Takawira, now a policy advisor to CGI global who has served in various other high level position, said women must believe in themselves and appreciate that they were born with a purpose as a starting point. She told of how she applied herself with discipline through education, creating networks and aiming higher with self-belief in a brighter future.

Mrs Thokozile Ruzvidzo, a gender expert who boasts 40 years in leadership positions in various organisations locally and abroad said her milestones were inspired by other women who have made distinctive strides in life with impact in their spheres of life. She urged women and young girls to stand up and fight for their space to be accorded equal respect to men. She said through her experience she has learnt that some men were supportive of her growth unlike women and vice-versa.

Mrs Wadzanayi Phiri, the founder and managing director of Coronation Solutions, a consulting firm that provides governance, risk and compliance services among others, said her transformation story began at her home as a child.

Raised by a powerful single mother, Mrs Phiri said her mother imparted to her valuable life values and leadership inspiration including encouragement to develop and always value relationships with other people, which has helped her develop good business networks.

Ms Jill Parratt, the past president of CGI global who is a distinguished charted governance expert also told her success story, emphasising the need to address stubborn cultural values that limit societal transformation.

The discussions went further with the panellists saying gender equality must go beyond numbers as they challenged women to provide value in areas they lead and prove their worth.