ZPCS hailed for promoting women to leadership positions
IN a major stride towards gender equality in leadership, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), has emerged as a beacon of inclusivity by appointing women to key leadership positions.
Addressing ZPCS female members during a belated Women’s Day celebrations on Tuesday, Officer Commanding Manicaland, Commissioner Spetosomusa Moyo-Chinobva emphasised the importance of recognising and harnessing the potential of women in the organisation.
The celebrations were held at Mutare Remand Prison under the theme: “Inspire Inclusion”.
Commissioner Moyo-Chinobva said ZPCS Commissioner General, Moses Chihobvu has heeded President Mnangagwa’s call to integrate women into top management roles.
“Acknowledging the directive from the nation’s leadership, we express our gratitude to the Commissioner General for heedfully responding to the President’s call. This initiative underscores a commitment to diversity and empowerment within ZPCS. ZPCS is one of the security services that can stand head high and take pride in including women in management positions,” she said.
Commissioner Moyo-Chinobva said the organisation is dedicated to merit-based appointments.
“Contrary to any notion of favouritism or tokenism, the elevation of women within the ZPCS hierarchy is attributed solely to their competence and capabilities. I am one of the women who were elevated purely on merit of my work. We got these positions purely on merit, and not by any other means,” she said.
As evidence of the organisation’s commitment to gender parity, of ZPCS’ four deputy commissioners, two are women.
This, she said, reflects a substantial representation of female leadership at the upper echelons of the organisation.
“Moreover, across the 10 administrative provinces, four provinces are under the capable stewardship of women officers — with one of them being Manicaland which I lead,” she said.
Commissioner Moyo-Chinobva said this demonstrates a widespread integration of
women into positions of authority.
She went on to encourage all female ZPCS officers to seize the opportunity to demonstrate their worth and contribute to the organisation’s progress.
“The time for pity parties as women is gone. We are no longer in the past, but in the now. The now is saying invest in a woman and accelerate progress. Wherever you are, prove your worth, progress where you are placed and accelerate progress. Dedication and excellence will inevitably lead to recognition and advancement,” she said.
Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s Manicaland public education officer, Ms Rutendo Marutsi applauded ZPCS for the strides it has made towards gender equality.
Women Vision Network president, Ms Gracious Nyamapfene said ZPCS’ gender equality thrust is a testament to its vision to foster inclusive and progressive institutional culture.
“By leveraging the talents and perspectives of women in positions of influence, the organisation is setting a precedent for other sectors to emulate. As women, let us include ourselves. If you want to be included, you need to include yourself first. Do not exclude yourself and master the art of self-development,” she said.
Ms Nyamapfene presented grocery hampers to 22 female inmates at Mutare Remand Prison.
Two inmates who are staying with their babies at the rehabilitation institution also received cereals and other necessities.
The gesture was part of Women Vision Network’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
One of the beneficiaries, Shamiso Muyambo (30), who is serving 12 months for theft, expressed gratitude at the benevolence exhibited by the benefactor.
“Some of us have never been visited by a single relative since our incarceration. I have witnessed the power of God through the mercy of our guests who visited us here today. From today, I consider those present here as my relatives,” she said.
Mutare Remand Prison remains open for donations from members of the public, with a newly opened hair salon and beauty spar treatment available to cater for the needs of inmates upon payment of a fee.