Zim to Host Inaugural Women in Engineering Confere...

Zim to Host Inaugural Women in Engineering Conference and Awards

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Engineer Joy Makumbe

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe will host its first-ever Women in Engineering Conference on June 23, 2025, bringing together female engineers to celebrate achievements, encourage collaboration, and promote greater inclusion in the male-dominated field.

Organised by KUNTHOM Media Solutions in partnership with the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers and Women in Engineering, the conference will take place on the International Day of Women in Engineering. It will feature a full day of discussions, followed by an awards ceremony.

“The Women in Engineering Conference is not just a celebration but a platform for learning and collaboration,” said KUNTHOM Media Solutions Director Kundai Chidamba.

“It will provide attendees with opportunities to share insights, build partnerships, and advance their careers by engaging with fellow engineers.”

The event will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, and masterclasses.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe— a high-profile woman in engineering — is expected to deliver the opening keynote address titled “Engineering the Future: Women Leading Zimbabwe’s Industrial Growth.” This will set the stage for discussions on leadership, innovation, and career advancement.

Dr. Sanzan Diarra, CEO of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers, expressed pride in supporting the initiative.

"This is a first of its kind, and we are very proud to support our female colleagues in the profession," he said.

Speakers will include ZIE President Dr. Eng. Farai Mavhiya, ZIE Vice President Dr. Eng. Tammy Stevenson, WIE Chairperson Eng. Berverly Nyakutsikwa, Director of Engineering in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Eng. Dorothy Madziya, General Manager – Subsidiaries at Masimba Holdings Eng. Irene Kamutero, Director of the Production Engineering Institute at SIRDC Dr. Eng. Mary Chikuruwo, metallurgical engineer Mollin Siwella, Eng. Wendy Mawere, Santar Construction CEO Sandy Bare, and Engineering Iron and Steel Association of Zimbabwe President Mrs. Chiedza Chigombe.

Key sessions include a masterclass on negotiation and leadership skills, a panel on work-life balance, and a workshop on thriving in a male-dominated industry.

Attendees will also participate in speed networking and mentorship circles to connect students, professionals, and executives.

The awards ceremony will recognise outstanding women in engineering, celebrating their contributions to Zimbabwe’s industrial and technological advancement.

“These awards are long overdue,” Chidamba said.

“Recognising women’s achievements in engineering not only honours their contributions but also encourages more women to enter and excel in the profession.”

Nominations for the awards are now open, with submissions due by June 13, 2025.

Nominees can include individuals or teams who have demonstrated excellence in engineering.

Interested participants can fill in a nomination form at www.kunthommedia.com or contact editor@zimining.co.zw or chidambathomas@gmail.com for more details.

With sessions on engineering leadership, industrial innovation, and mentorship, the conference aims to empower current and future generations of female engineers.