Sunday Mail Editor bags awards
THE Sunday Mail Editor Victoria Ruzvidzo on Friday received two awards as one of the 50 most inspirational women in Zimbabwe by the Institute of Corporate Directors Zimbabwe (ICDZ) and as “Outstanding Conduit of Excellence” at the Zimbabwe CEO’s Network Awards Gala.
She was among local women drawn from business, academia, agriculture and corporate governance sectors.
Guest of honour at the ICDZ event, Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Bronte Moules said the economic empowerment of women was a significant driver of growth and prosperity.
“Simply by being you, being the role models that you are, you are making the difference, leading by example, inspiring, educating in countless different ways, inspiring young girls and boys to lead across all levels and that alone cannot be underestimated.”
She said the Australian government has placed women’s empowerment at the centre of its development plan.
“The Australian government fully recognises that women’s economic empowerment is a significant driver of economic growth and prosperity.
“We know the global evidence is clear: gender equality, economic growth and sustainable development are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
“Promoting gender equality is smart economics, and the right thing to do – we can’t transform our world unless the place of women within it is transformed.” She added:
“Three priority areas underpin Australia’s long-standing commitment, and guide our work in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment: enhancing women’s voice in decision making, leadership and peacebuilding; promoting women’s economic empowerment; ending violence against women and girls.”
ICDZ head of membership and training for Most Inspirational Women Brunch Mrs Chengetai Ndudzo said Zimbabwean women continue to break the glass ceiling by outperforming their male counterparts in different sectors.
She said many women have demonstrated the courage to sail in unchartered waters and beat adversity through strategy.
“These women have since the inception of their careers and business ventures encouraged others to strive for greatness,” she said.
“They have become incredible role models for their country, women, girls, men, and boys serve as an inspiration across countries, regions, and generations.”
Among those that received the honours were Mrs Susan Makore, Commissioner with the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
She is also with the World Association of Newspapers Women in News Programme, SeedCo senior manager for public relations and special programmes Ms Marjorie Mutemererwa and lawyer Ms Beatrice Mtetwa.
Mrs Ruzvidzo’s award for “Outstanding Conduit of Excellence” was also “in special recognition for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to the business professionals through conduct of a meta-analysis and profundity thoughts.”
About 50 women were honoured at the event, among them the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission chairperson, Justice Loice Matanda Moyo. Mrs Ruzvidzo was in the top five.
ZiFM stereo’s, Martha Mamombe was awarded as one of the Outstanding Women in Media while Edgars group chief finance officer Ms Happiness Vhundla received an award in the Outstanding Leading Women in Zimbabwe category.
The Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance bank and the Women Coalition of Zimbabwe were also awarded for being outstanding organisations in support of women.
In his remarks at the event, Zimbabwe CEO’s Network president, Mark Mabhudhu said the awards recognise women who are making a difference in the corporate world.
“We have been modelled by our mothers and we are who we are today because of them. When we have ladies running corporates, driving different projects and making countries run, we should never take them for granted,” he said.
Guest speaker at the event, the deputy director for mental health services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Patience Mavunganidze challenged women to adopt stress- relief strategies given the multiplicity of roles they play at home and in the workplace.