50 exceptional women honoured

2023-10-29 - Kimberly Mhembere Mildred Chiri Shamiso Yikoniko

THE SUNDAY MAIL editor Victoria Ruzvidzo was named among the 50 Most Inspirational Women in Zimbabwe last week by the Women Corporate Directors Network Zimbabwe (WCDNZ) — which honoured trailblazing women, in recognition of their management excellence and contribution to national development.

Ruzvidzo walked away with the top gong in the Leadership and Governance: Listed Companies category.

Dubbed 50 Most Inspirational Women in Zimbabwe 2023, the awards were held under the theme “GRIT: Gumption, Resilience, Integrity, Tenacity”.

Speaking at the event, WCDNZ chairperson Mrs Lucy Mary Marowa said women from diverse sectors were recognised for their leadership excellence.

“The event is a celebration of the amazing accomplishments of women across Zimbabwe, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, resilience and tenacity in their fields,” she said.

Women and gender affairs chief director (Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development) Mrs Lillian Matsika-Takaendese, who was the guest of honour, said recognising outstanding women in the corporate sector was a noble initiative.

“My admiration and deep gratitude go to the WCDNZ for their noble initiative and unwavering support in catalysing transformative growth and success in the corporate space by recognising achievements made by women in this day.

“The Women Corporate Directors Network Zimbabwe has set a standard of excellence by empowering women directors on how to anticipate, influence and address present and future boardroom challenges,” she said.

Other honourees included former Auditor-General Mrs Mildred Chiri, who landed the Lifetime Achievement Award; and editor of The Independent Faith Zaba, who walked away with the unlisted Large Corporate Bodies Award.

Silvergill Enterprises chief executive officer Engineer Clara Sadomba received the Environmental, Social and Governance Leadership Award.

The following were also recognised for their excellence: Ms Priscilla Sadomba (head of change and culture at FBC), former Zimpapers journalist Shamiso Yikoniko, Sunday Mail columnist and Human Resources consultant Rutendo Gwatidzo and Kuvimba Mining House executive Ms Tendai Madondo.

ZBC CEO Adelaide Chikunguru won under Leadership and Governance: Government and Parastatals, Prosecutor-General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo; Attorney-General Mrs Virginia Mabiza; and Permanent Secretaries Mrs Vimbai Nyemba, Dr Beullar Chirume, Dr Mavis Sibanda, Engineer Joy Makumbe and Engineer Gloria Magombo also got special mention for their work in Government administrative roles.