Breaking Barriers: Dr. Rebecca Manford on Leadersh...

Breaking Barriers: Dr. Rebecca Manford on Leadership, Challenges, and Inspiration

Gilbert Munetsi - Zim Now Writer

As Zimbabwe joined the world in commemorating International Women’s Day on March 8, Dr. Rebecca Manford marked the occasion in a unique way—by releasing a song dedicated to celebrating women.

Titled Usain Bolt: Musha Mukadzi, the song underscores the pivotal role of women in society. Though its title references the fastest man on earth, its deeper message is clear: women hold the baton and must continue running their race with resilience and determination.

For the past four years, Dr. Manford has released motivational songs to mark International Women’s Day, each reinforcing the importance of gender equality and empowerment.

This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” calls for urgent and decisive steps toward achieving gender equality and addressing the persistent barriers that hinder progress for women and girls worldwide.

Beyond her contributions to music and social advocacy, Dr. Rebecca Manford is a force to be reckoned with in the corporate world. She serves as the Chief Finance Officer of Cavendish and Lloyd, a leading tobacco firm, and is a distinguished Chartered Accountant, multi-award-winning business executive, Pan-African speaker, philanthropist, and gospel musician.

Her remarkable journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Reflecting on her leadership journey, Dr. Manford acknowledges that she has always been drawn to positions of responsibility.

“From a young age, I have consistently found myself in leadership roles,” she shares. Her leadership trajectory began early—she was a junior prefect at Blakiston Primary School by Grade 6 and, later, became Head Girl.

Her outstanding abilities earned her selection by the Ministry of Education to represent Zimbabwe at the Commonwealth Children’s Millennium Festival in New Zealand. She was also a member of the Children’s World Parliament, where she delivered a critically acclaimed speech on the rights of the girl child, receiving a standing ovation for her advocacy.

During her time at Arundel School, Dr. Manford continued to excel in leadership, serving as House Captain and Prefect. In 2005, she was elected Junior Deputy Mayor of Harare and served as Chief Whip in the Harare Junior Council—early indicators of the formidable leader she would become.

Dr. Manford holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Auditing from the University of South Africa and later became a qualified Chartered Accountant through the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA). Committed to lifelong learning, she has pursued additional certifications and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) to further hone her expertise.

Her relentless pursuit of excellence was recognized in 2023 when she was named among Zimbabwe’s Top 100 Most Influential Young People in a survey conducted by Solitaire Communications.

While her corporate achievements are remarkable, Dr. Manford also finds fulfillment in music and philanthropy. A gifted gospel singer, she has used her musical talent to inspire and uplift.

“When I am not in the boardroom or overseeing operations, I make time for what brings me joy. I have been singing in church for many years,” she says.

Her journey into the corporate world was not without challenges. After high school, she joined Ernst & Young, a strategic move dictated by financial constraints following the loss of her father. “Attending university full-time was not an option, so I started as a clerk and worked my way up through various roles—from Supervisor to Manager and now Chief Finance Officer,” she recounts.

As a woman in leadership, Dr. Manford has encountered and overcome significant challenges, particularly in the areas of workplace inequality and gender biases.

“One of the key challenges women face is the gender pay gap. Men are often paid more for the same work that women do,” she points out. She also highlights the double standards that persist in leadership: “If a woman is assertive, she’s labelled as bossy or aggressive. But if a man exhibits the same traits, he is seen as strong and decisive.”

Despite these challenges, however, she remains undeterred. “At the end of the day, let the work speak for itself. Competency has no gender,” she asserts.

Dr. Manford draws inspiration from pioneering women who have paved the way in business and leadership. She greatly admires Divine Ndhlukula, the founder of Securico, for her resilience and commitment to mentoring others. She also holds high regard for Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprises, for her advocacy on women’s issues and the empowerment of the girl child.

As an executive, musician, speaker, and philanthropist, balancing multiple responsibilities is a continuous challenge.

“Achieving balance is not a reality; we can only chase it because there is so much to do and so little time,” she reflects. However, she sees her diverse roles as part of her purpose. “I believe my Maker did not give me these capabilities for me to sit on them. When you do what you love, it is not a burden but a privilege.”

Even in the face of setbacks, she remains steadfast. “I fail sometimes, but I always pick myself up, regroup, and try again,” she says.

On the 2025 edition of International Women’s Day, Dr. Manford urges women to push through adversity and claim their space in leadership, commerce, and industry.

“Discrimination exists, but what matters is how you respond. Some people complain about gender disparities, while others acknowledge them and still push forward. You have to decide which person you want to be.”

Dr. Manford’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As we celebrate women breaking barriers worldwide, her journey serves as a powerful inspiration to aspiring leaders, proving that with vision and perseverance, anything is possible.