Story by Memory Chamisa
THE Council of Elders of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) this evening paid a courtesy call on Acting President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, in Harare, where they applauded Zimbabwe for notable progress in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Emerging from the meeting, AWLN Convener Madame Bineta Diop, together with African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Ambassador Liberata Rutageruka Mulamula, highlighted Zimbabwe’s recent high-level appointments of women to leadership positions as a demonstration of commitment to inclusivity.
“What we witnessed today is impressive. I was shocked to hear that the Minister of Defense is a woman who is also the Chairperson of the ruling party. This is more than impressive. The Acting President has shown that he is committed, as he spent the greater part of the day with us, and this evening we talked on a lot of issues that we both agreed would see each country progressing,” Diop said.
“This meeting was meant for the Acting President to get acquainted with the Elders, and he has shown great hospitality as he delivered a speech that resonates well with what we are doing. We also spoke on the issue of peacekeeping on the continent, and he himself said this is an issue that needs to be considered when negotiations are being made that women are included,” Ambassador Mulamula noted.
The Acting President commended the Elders for their sterling work in empowering women and supporting national development as well.
“This has been an honour, meeting such a group of vibrant elders who have each made a mark on the African continent. The President would have felt the same as I am feeling, because it is not every day that you have an opportunity to be among influential women. But let me say, the seventh Intergenerational Retreat has opened our eyes, and what I witnessed today is very special. I hope you continue breaking barriers and empowering not only yourselves but men too,” he said.
The Council of Elders includes former presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia, former AU Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and former South African Vice President Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who continue to mentor young women into leadership roles across Africa.
