Munyaradzi Blessing Doma-
Zim Now Writer
Women should be equipped to make meaningful contributions to the economic and social fabric of society, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, Shepherd Mpofu, has said.
Deputy Commissioner-General Mpofu made this statement on Friday in Harare during the graduation ceremony of members of ZPCS’s Phakamani/Simukai Women’s Network, who completed courses with the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy and the Zimbabwe Open University.
The group, comprising female ZPCS officers and spouses of male officers, underwent a week-long training program covering various topics, including diplomacy, grooming and etiquette, leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.
“Through this initiative, we are addressing systemic barriers that hinder women's progress while cultivating a culture of inclusivity and resilience.
“Today marks a significant milestone in your careers and lives, and I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you for your participation.
“Your dedication throughout this week has been inspiring, and the certificates awarded to you represent the foundation of your future success in all your endeavors.
“Throughout the workshop, you engaged in comprehensive learning experiences covering critical areas such as planning, marketing, and financial management.
“The Phakamani/Simukai Women's Network is not just preparing you to seek employment but also paving the way for you to become job creators, innovators, and leaders within your communities.
“This initiative represents a transformative approach to empowerment, ensuring that women are equipped to make meaningful contributions to the economic and social fabric of our society as we pursue Vision 2030,” said Deputy Commissioner-General Mpofu.
He added that the 26 women had gained vital skills in diplomatic relations, grooming, and etiquette, which are crucial in today’s interconnected world, as building strong relationships and presenting oneself with confidence is essential.
“You have also learned effective communication, networking, and conflict resolution techniques that will benefit you in all areas of life. Conflict resolution is particularly important for women in leadership, as it fosters understanding and prevents misunderstandings.
“I believe this workshop has empowered you to make the Phakamani/Simukai Women's Network a vibrant and impactful organization.
“Leadership is another cornerstone of this program. Women bring unique perspectives to leadership, and we are dedicated to nurturing these skills within you. Through interactive sessions and real-world case studies, you have learned how to build and lead high-performing teams, make informed decisions, and drive positive change,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner-General Mpofu emphasized that, in alignment with the government's efforts to empower women, ZPCS recognizes the National Gender Policy, which promotes gender equality and women's empowerment across all sectors of society.
“Your participation in this program exemplifies the shared commitment of all stakeholders to creating an enabling environment where women can realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of our nation.
“Through this initiative, we are addressing systemic barriers that hinder women's progress while fostering a culture of inclusivity and resilience. By providing access to transformative educational opportunities and skill-building workshops, we are laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and empowerment. This holistic approach ensures that women are not only participants but also leaders, driving innovation and fostering social change in their communities.”
He also applauded the facilitators from the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy and ZOU, acknowledging their commitment to equipping the women with the knowledge and skills needed for their daily operations.
“The impact of your efforts is profound, and your contributions will continue to influence their personal and professional growth. Thank you for your invaluable role in shaping the future of ZPCS.
“To the participants, congratulations once again. As you progress, I encourage you to apply what you have learned for the betterment of yourselves, your families, the organization, and the nation at large. You are now part of a vibrant community of leaders, and together, you have the power to create a more just, equitable, and prosperous society.
“We look forward to witnessing the positive impact you will make in society,” he added.
Marian Chihobvu, Chairperson of the Phakamani/Simukai Women’s Network, said the courses were an eye-opener and proved that there is no age limit for learning.
“We were taught quite a lot. We learned about cleanliness, how we live in our communities, and maintaining good relations with our fellow community members.
“We also received training in proper business practices, and I’m happy to know that this program will be extended to the provinces.
“As a group, we are grateful to President Mnangagwa and the First Lady, who have consistently advocated for women's empowerment and inclusivity. We are happy with this initiative.
“The women have truly learned valuable skills, and we will put into practice what we have been taught,” added Mrs. Chihobvu.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Rosemary Matipuwa, Phakamani/Simukai Women’s Network Provincial Coordinator for Harare Metropolitan, who said the course had helped them conduct their meetings more professionally.
“I think we will now conduct our meetings differently. We now know how best to work with the members of our group. We also learned about leadership, personal conduct, and etiquette, so we will pass this knowledge on to other women.”
Chairperson and co-founder of the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy, Vova Chikanda, emphasized that women’s empowerment is a key component of their work, stating, “If we put women in front, we are done.”
He added: “What we imparted to these ladies were ideas on how to be diplomatic, resolve conflicts at home, conduct business, and manage their time effectively.
“Our women are the leaders, so we also provided them with leadership skills.
“When it came to grooming, deportment, and dressing, we focused on hygiene, physical fitness, and stress management. We emphasized how women should take care of themselves, both for their well-being and their families.
“We also taught them professionalism and image dynamics,” said Chikanda.
Director of Community Engagement and Outreach at ZOU, Dr. Eurita Nyamanhare, said she trained the women in economic empowerment andjj and the rise of entrepreneurship.
Commenting on the duration of the course, Dr. Nyamanhare said the time was sufficient for the women to grasp the key concepts, and she was confident that they would put the lessons to good use.
“One hour or 30 minutes is enough to learn something, and even in one day, you can receive a certificate of attendance to acknowledge your presence. So, in one week, these women were exposed to valuable knowledge.
“The challenge I gave them was to ensure that they left the workshop having learned something that would add value to their lives.
“For learning to be effective, there should be a change in behavior,” she added.
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