Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe this weekend became the epicentre of continental dialogue on women’s leadership and empowerment as Acting President, General (Rtd) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, officially opened the 7th Inter-generational Retreat of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) at the Harare International Conference Centre in Harare on Saturday.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Acting President hailed the Retreat as a defining moment in advancing gender equality and inter-generational solidarity on the continent.
Acting President Chiwenga commended AWLN and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development for convening the Retreat in Zimbabwe, describing the platform as a milestone in advancing inter-generational dialogue.
He underscored that gender equality remains central to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic vision of becoming an upper-middle-income society, saying women must be recognized not as beneficiaries but as leaders and innovators driving Africa’s transformation.
“When you empower a woman, you do not simply uplift an individual – you transform families, strengthen communities, and accelerate national progress,” he said.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s strides, Acting President Chiwenga pointed to the increase in the women’s parliamentary quota, new gender-balanced laws, and the appointment of women to high-level positions including the Minister of Defence, Attorney General, Prosecutor General, and senior posts in commissions and state enterprises.
He also praised reforms such as the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, which mandates gender balance in public sector boards, as catalysts for steady growth in women’s representation in decision-making.
The Retreat, he said, would also witness the launch of the Women in the Public Sector Collective, an initiative aimed at dismantling systemic barriers to women’s leadership within government and public institutions.
He condemned gender-based violence as a grave obstacle to women’s empowerment.
Acting President Chiwenga reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment through the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence (2021–2030) and the pending ratification of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
He further hailed President Mnangagwa’s recognition as an African champion in eliminating violence against women and girls, calling on men and boys across Zimbabwe to embrace their role as allies in building a gender-inclusive society.
Acknowledging the theme of the Retreat, which emphasises digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the Acting President said Zimbabwe had aligned its education system with future skills through the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model. This, he said, is increasing women’s participation in STEM, innovation, and patent registration.
At the same time, new policies such as the Freedom of Information Act, the Data Protection Act, and community ICT initiatives are being leveraged to narrow the digital divide while tackling digital gender-based violence.
Acting President Chiwenga urged young women to seize mentorship opportunities, pursue education, and avoid destructive habits such as drug and substance abuse, warning that Africa’s future depended on their leadership.
“As Zimbabweans, we live by the philosophy that says, Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo; Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo – a reminder that we, as Africans, are the builders of our continent,” he said.
He expressed hope that the gathering would mark a turning point for renewed commitments, stronger partnerships, and inclusive leadership across Africa.
“Together – men and women, young and old – we will build the Africa we want, brick by brick, stone by stone, step by step,” he said.
New Ziana
