The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Correspondent
ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe last Wednesday commemorated International Women’s Day through a number of activities that included a luncheon in Harare for a diverse selection of its female customers and a staff webinar featuring a panel of women in leadership.
The celebratory initiatives also extended to the company’s commercial regions across the country.
In his remarks, Econet group chief executive Dr Douglas Mboweni said it was befitting to celebrate women for who they are and because of their social and economic contribution to the nation.
“The intrinsic value of women — as God’s creation, and their immense contributions to family, society and the economic development and wellbeing of nations — is something worth celebrating today and every day of our lives,” Dr Mboweni said.
He said he was delighted that this year’s United Nations IWD theme of “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” is a clarion call that aligns with Econet’s vision.
“I am excited that the UN’s theme for this year’s International Women’s Day resonates very well with our vision as a company, which states: ‘We envision a digitally connected future that leaves no Zimbabwean behind, including women’,” Dr Mboweni said.
He further said Econet’s current digital transformation drive was set to “open up more opportunities for economic empowerment and inclusivity, that will benefit women by bridging the digital divide, removing barriers and widening access through the use of technology”.
Addressing Econet staff, the company’s chief human resources officer, Ms Rosseweater Zhou-Usayi, said gender equity gaps limit women from unlocking technology’s full potential in a digital world, which has unprecedented opportunities for all.
“As such, Econet Wireless joins the world in promoting gender equity and digital inclusivity. It is our socio-collaborative efforts from all fronts that can unpack gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias and promote inclusivity.
“In this regard, we implore leadership teams to continue to support initiatives that close the gender gap and promote digital inclusivity by implementing policies that demonstrate an intentional commitment to close gender equity gaps,” she said.
On Wednesday, Ms Zhou-Usayi also shared the floor in an engaging IWD panel discussion with Mrs Gloria Zvaravanhu, the managing director of Old Mutual Insurance Company Zimbabwe; and Ms Cathrine Nyachionjeka, CEO of the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the company’s luncheon hosted for its top female customers, Mr Kezito Makuni, Econet’s chief operating officer, commended the progress women have made, noting that more women were taking their rightful place at the table.
“As we look back on the progress that women have made in recent years, there is much to celebrate. Women have shattered glass ceilings and broken down barriers in fields ranging from politics and business to science and technology,” he said.
He challenged men to celebrate the women in their lives — in their families and in the workplace — and to recognise the important roles they play in society.
Popular gospel musician Janet Manyowa — who serenaded guests at the Econet luncheon with various songs — acknowledged that progress had been made towards addressing gender biases, but more still needed to be done.
“More still needs to be done to ensure full and equal participation of women in every sector of the economy,” Manyowa said. The International Women’s Day is celebrated globally and presents an opportunity for the world to reflect on progress made towards gender equality, while raising awareness on efforts that still need to be made to fight gender bias.
This year, the United Nations observed the day under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, recognising and celebrating women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.
