Mukudzei Chingwere
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has arrived at Harare International Conference Centre to officially open the 7th Inter-Generational Retreat of the African Women Leaders Network, an event that brings together over 300 women leaders from across the continent.
Among them is the former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
The retreat aims to foster dialogue between generations and empower young women across various sectors, addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence, economic participation and political representation.
Former AUC Chair Dlamini-Zuma applauds Zimbabwe’s progress in women’s leadership
Former African Union Commission Chair, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has praised Zimbabwe for making significant strides in elevating women to leadership positions.
Speaking on the country’s progress, Dr Dlamini-Zuma singled out the judiciary as a shining example of gender representation, commending efforts to ensure women are well-represented in decision-making roles.
She noted that Zimbabwe’s commitment to empowering women reflects broader continental goals of achieving gender parity in governance and leadership, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Her remarks come as Zimbabwe continues to implement policies and reforms aimed at promoting equal opportunities for women across political, legal, and economic spheres.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf urges young women to embrace technology and AI
Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of State, has called on young women to fully embrace technology and artificial intelligence (AI) as essential tools for success in the modern world.
Speaking on the importance of digital skills in shaping future leadership, Ms Sirleaf said that mastering technology and AI would enable women to claim their rightful place in decision-making roles across sectors.
She stressed that in today’s interconnected global landscape, technological literacy is no longer optional but a critical requirement for driving innovation, influencing policy, and competing on equal footing with their male counterparts.
Ms Sirleaf’s remarks align with growing calls across Africa to invest in digital skills training for young women, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
President Chiwenga receives award for Zim’s commitment to women’s rights
ACTING PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga has received a special award from the African Leadership and Women’s Network on behalf of President Mnangagwa in recognition of
efforts in promoting women’s rights and their inclusion in leadership roles.
The Government has made huge strides in aligning the justice system to protect women’s rights, including the Inheritance Act and the Marriages Act, which prohibits child marriages.
Efforts to strengthen economic empowerment and inclusion have further supported women’s leadership in various sectors.
Zimbabwe proudly features women in prominent leadership positions, including Defence Minister and ZANU PF chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, as well as a female Attorney-General (Mrs Virginia Mabiza), Prosecutor-General (Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo) and Cde Mabel Chinomona, who serves as the President of the Senate, among others.
Zimbabwe committed to women empowerment: Minister Mutsvangwa
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s dedication to women empowerment, saying the country’s progress in advancing gender equality makes her proud on the international stage.
Speaking at the African Leadership and Women’s Network (ALWN) event, Cde Mutsvangwa said government policies and programmes were designed to ensure women have equal opportunities in leadership, economic participation and decision-making.
She emphasised that Zimbabwe’s strides in women empowerment continue to earn the nation recognition beyond its borders, underscoring the Second Republic’s commitment to inclusive development.
The Minister invites Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga to the podium to address the gathering.
We won’t develop if we leave others behind: Acting President Chiwenga
Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has urged Africans to embrace unity and inclusivity, warning that peace, prosperity and sustainable development cannot be achieved if any group is left behind.
Addressing delegates at the official opening of the 7th Intergenerational Retreat of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) in Harare, Dr Chiwenga called for collective action between men and women, young and old, to build the continent’s future together.
Quoting the mantra, “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo; Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo” (A country is built, governed and prayed for by its citizens), he stressed the importance of local ownership in Africa’s development and governance.
“Together, men and women, young and old, we will build the Africa we want: brick by brick, stone by stone, and step by step. We are the builders of our African continent,” he said.
Dr Chiwenga expressed hope that the retreat would be remembered as a turning point for renewing commitments, deepening partnerships and defining inclusive leadership across the continent.
“May this 7th Intergenerational Retreat be remembered as a turning point where commitments were renewed, partnerships deepened, and inclusive leadership defined. Once again, I warmly welcome you all to Zimbabwe,” he said, before officially declaring the event open.
The AWLN retreat brings together leaders from across Africa to promote women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, while fostering intergenerational collaboration to advance the continent’s development agenda.
