Written By: Tarisai Chimhandamba

Women urged to be united, innovative and enterprising

The Women in Marketing, a platform created by the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe hosted its first physical event, a colourful and well attended High Tea in April.

It was indeed a colourful event as women turned up in their floral outfits as prescribed by the dress theme at the event held at the Venue.

The High Tea held under the theme #Choosetochallenge tackled various topics among them leading a business enterprise, values that propel a woman to the top and a woman and her purse.

In her opening remarks at event, MAZ Head Operations and Marketing Manager ,Enia Zimunya highlighted that WIM, an arm of MAZ was founded in September last year to cater for lady MAZ members.

“The Women in Marketing platform is the MAZ arm formed as a response to the expectations and demands of lady MAZ members who felt that there was a need to create a platform for expression , mentorship , networking and empowerment of the female marketer and its related professions in what level of career development,” said Zimunya.

She said am 8 lady led committee was constituted in January 2021 to push the different initiatives of WIM.

Zimunya added that WIM membership was at 203 with a nationwide representation and is expected to grow.

Guest speaker at the event, MAZ patron and Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted the importance of unity amongst women.

“Ladies unity is key to the success not only of the Women in Marketing but all of us. When we work together as women we do more good.

Unity is a stepping stone to success, when we are united we can groom, mentor, uplift and comfort each other in times of need. I have often seen on social media people talking about pull her down syndrome (PHD), this must be a thing of the past, and we must unite for the betterment not only of ourselves but of our families and the nation at large,” said Hon Mutsvangwa.

Hon Mutsvangwa said this year’s theme of women’s month, aptly speaks to women advancement.

“As women we must not be held down by the glass ceiling, let’s not be content with having a job, a small business or a degree. Let’s strive to move up higher, if you are in business strive to expand your ventures or interests, if you employed as a professional advance your career. Professional career development is very important,” she said.

The chairperson of then of the WIM committee and MAZ board member Roseline Chisveto unpacked what WIM was about, its pillars and key focus areas.

“Among our key focus areas we have the Entrepreneurship and life skills where we seek to equip members with relevant and applicable skills in and beyond formal careers to help them deal with complex environment and prepare them for the future,” said Chisveto.

Other key focus areas are membership and leadership development, welfare and compassion, corporate social responsibility and resource mobilisation.

She also spoke about the importance of building a large network with women from different organizations and to identify programs, entrepreneurship and personal development.

Managing director of DDNS Security Operations Private Limited, Dr Divine Ndhlukula presented on leading a business enterprise.

“Business is about acumen ship and brains not about muscles and excellence is important in building a business,” said Dr Ndhlukula.

She said among the key attributes of good business leadership are integrity, accountability, honesty, selflessness.

Dr Ndhlukula emphasised on the importance of reputation and integrity in business.

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.  Be of high integrity as it is now the new corporate currency,” she said.

She said a leader must have a  clear, vivid picture of where to go, as well as a firm grasp on what success looks like and how to achieve it.

“My job is to drive the vision and I try to be inclusive. Success comes from creating the necessary value with customers both external and internal,” said Dr Ndhlukula.

Next to take to the podium was Sheree Shereni, the managing director of Mikana Incorporated who shared on the values that propel a woman to the top.

 “Determine your priorities, for areas where priorities are ahead of you, communicate, manage expectations and create balance. If one knows what they are chasing in mind they will never go wrong.” said Shereni.

She encouraged the ladies to enterprise while they are employees. She also gave a powerful presentation on the quality of a belief system and attitude and highlighted the importance of aligning personal values and organisational values

MAZ vice president, Emiliah Mabika gave a presentation on a woman with a purse. Her wealth of knowledge and experience gave the ladies a deep rooted understanding of this area.

 “You cannot think of making money as ladies before you know who you are, why you are created and your purpose in life. Read and understand financial matters it’s very important,” said Mabika.

Guests at the event went away with gifts sponsored by Associated Foods, Beautiful by Nature Beauty and Spa, Gifts and More, Image Magic, Proton and Clean Box Zw.