Participants of Network of African Business Women (NABW) Zimbabwe event.
âCOVID -19 brought new challenges and changed the way we do business. However, we should not forget that some businesses thrived because of it, and new ideas also formed. So while we try to cope and navigate the pandemic, let us also work on reinventing ourselves. Find new ideas and business opportunities in these difficult times,â Cathrine Dzingire, Gender Consultant in Zimbabwe. Ms Dzingire spoke at a recent workshop hosted by the Network of African Business Women (NABW) Zimbabwe in Harare. The event had three main objectives, namely:
- Reflect on the strategic achievements and the Network Growth Path for guiding the future development and membership growth of NABW Zimbabwe.
- Present findings from a study commissioned by NABW Zimbabwe with the support of the GMT on the impacts of COVID-19.
- To present a work plan and road map of future milestones for NABW Zimbabwe.
Key speakers for the day were Dr. Hesphina Rukato (Chairperson NABWZ Board), Mr. Absolom Masendeke (Board member and NGP expert), Ms. Cathrine Dzingire (Gender Consultant), Mrs. Moira Ngaru (Consultant), and Mrs. Junior Muchuchu (Ministry of Women Affairs Community Small and Medium Enterprises).
Participants at the Network of African Business Women (NABW) Zimbabwe event.
The workshop served as a platform for interaction as women discussed the challenges they faced in their different areas before and during the pandemic. Challenges included the exclusion of women in decision-making and leadership positions, lack of responsiveness of policies during the pandemic, and the lack of access and knowledge on digital technology so that women can cope.
âBeing a woman is tough. You have to be a mother, business owner, wife, daughter and wear so many hats, with so many expectations but letâs do it with pride. We are women, and no one does it better than us,â – Dr. Hesphina Rukato, Participants.
The discussions were in line with Graça Machel Trust (GMT)âs mandate to economically empower women and ensure they are represented in leadership positions.
This article was compiled by Cathrine Dzingire.
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