‘Women should support each other’

WOMEN have to promote each other and collaborate through networking in order to be successful, Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mrs Barbara van Hellemond has said.

She told a gathering attending the Professional Women Executives and Business Women’s Forum (Proweb) Annual Achievers Award gala on Friday that women, as a collective, can have great impact.

This year’s awards were held under the theme “Celebration of Leadership, Innovation, Achievement and Excellence in Women.”

“We are here today to celebrate leadership, innovation, achievements and excellence of women . . . a woman alone has power, but collectively we have impact,” said Mrs van Hellemond, who was guest of honour.

“Traditionally, we have been taught to compete against one another, but it is so clear now that strategy does not work.

“The is truth is that raising each other up and channelling the power of collaboration and networking is truly how we will change the equation . . .”

Proweb president Dr Grace Muradzikwa said the event celebrates women’s achievements in various sectors.

“Our awardees tonight are the eminent women who have broken the glass ceiling, have pushed the frontiers of women’s initiatives and have paved the path for other women and girls to follow in their footsteps,” she said.

Shamwari Yemwanasikana’s director, Mrs Ekenia Chifamba, won the Women Community Dedication Award while Mrs Precious Murena was awarded the Team Leader Award.

Mrs Munyara Chigunduru took the Business Women of the Year Award and Dr Anna Nyakabau won the Iconic Women Award.

Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank chief executive officer Mrs Mandas Marikanda won the Best Woman CEO of the Year and the Outstanding Achievement Award.