Story by Memory Chamisa
THE Seventh African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Intergenerational Retreat, which opened in Harare this Saturday set a powerful tone of unity and urgency, as participants reached a resounding consensus on the need to accelerate women’s leadership in leveraging emerging technologies to drive Africa’s development.
Held under the theme ‘Accelerating the Preparedness of African Women Leaders to Harness Emerging Technologies for Africa’s Development,’ the retreat brought together politicians, scientists, bankers, academics, and trailblazing role models, all committed to fostering intergenerational mentorship, policy dialogue, and innovation.
Acting President General Rtd Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who officially opened the retreat, highlighted the importance of strengthening intergenerational bonds to sustain progress in leadership, peace, and development.
“Intergenerational engagement does not simply pass the torch of leadership, it illuminates and fortifies it as it moves from one generation to the next assembly of leaders. Today, we gather in the company of Africa’s most visionary and courageous women leaders, champions, and trailblazers who continue to inspire and mentor the next generation.
“I commend the African Women Leaders Network for championing this intergenerational dialogue and, more importantly, for choosing Zimbabwe to host this important gathering. The government of Zimbabwe is firmly committed to ensuring equal representation and participation of men and women in all spheres of life. Our progressive Constitution prohibits discrimination and mandates affirmative action to address historical imbalances.
“In this spirit, the parliamentary quota for women has been extended beyond its initial ten-year period and expanded to local government, reinforcing deliberate measures to strengthen women’s political participation. To further advance gender parity, Zimbabwe has promulgated new laws and amended existing ones to eliminate gender-based disparities. In the same breath, we have developed comprehensive frameworks and strategies to accelerate women’s inclusion in leadership, peace, and security,” he said.
Veteran African women leaders used the platform to challenge younger generations to embrace boldness, innovation, and leadership in shaping the continent’s future.
“What a time to be alive. When I look in this room, I see faces of resilience, women who have gone before us and paved the way, women who will come after us and have somewhere to start from in building an enabled environment and empowered future generation because of the decisions that have been made by the wonderful people in this room. Ladies, mothers, and sisters, the future of Africa is in our hands,” Former Liberian President, Ms Ellen Johnson Sirleaf noted.
“Our continent needs initiatives such as AWLN, a network that seeks to nurture and consolidate women’s participation in the decision-making process and augment the financial and economic inclusion of women as its cornerstone,” Work Zweide, Former Ethiopian President, Ms Sahle said.
“I offer you all women and girls gathered here my shoulders. Stand on them to reach your goal. Don’t be afraid. Dare. Not taking advantage of this is worse than climbing the ladder by yourself. You can do it. We need to transform generals while breaking barriers for women’s leadership and increasing their representation. It is my wish to see women positioned to tap into the economy and overseas markets,” Zuma, Former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini added.
Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and host of the retreat, emphasised the need for boldness and strategic thinking to unlock the full potential of women in Africa.
“At this hour of the Renaissance of the African Woman, we are here in Harare as prominent African women leaders. We are here to broach strategies, craft policy recommendations, and call for programmes. We need to find a way to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Every obstacle to full and wholesome participation in the global marketplace must be cleared. Riding on the strength of our diverse experiences, this noble task is eminently realizable.
“This recount serves as a reminder that our quest for gender parity and equality is not emanating from the benevolence of male patriarchy, it is actually earned through heroic sacrifice on the battlefield. Over the next two days, we will also have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange innovative ideas, and develop strategies that will propel gender equality in governance, peace, security, and economic sectors. These discussions aim to influence policy towards Agenda 2063 and Africa, where both women and men contribute effectively to all aspects of our continent’s development,” she said.
With its emphasis on digital transformation, economic empowerment, and leadership development, the retreat serves as more than just a dialogue, it marks the beginning of a bold new chapter in women-driven innovation across Africa.
