Zimbabwe officially launched the third intake of its Women Leadership Programme for 2025–2026 today, marking another milestone in the country’s efforts to promote gender equality and women’s participation in sport leadership. 

The programme was opened on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Sport, Emily Jesaya, by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Cynthia Mawema.

In her keynote address, Mawema described the programme as a flagship initiative advancing Zimbabwe’s national vision for inclusivity, gender equality, and excellence in sport.

“It is a great honor and privilege to officiate at the launch of the third intake of the Women Leadership Programme, a platform that has become a defining force for empowering women in sport leadership across Zimbabwe,” she said.

Since its establishment in 2021, the programme has grown through a partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe and the African Union Sports Council Region 5. This year, 25 women join the third intake, becoming part of a growing movement of empowerment and transformation.

“We celebrate not only continuity but also progress, a collective journey of resilience and leadership,” Mawema said.

She emphasised that sport extends beyond recreation, serving as a powerful vehicle for social transformation, unity, and economic development.

“We are committed to inclusive growth that is people-centered and gender responsive. Ensuring that no one is left behind remains our key priority,” Mawema said.

Despite progress, she acknowledged that women remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions within sport.

“Women still face systemic barriers ranging from unequal access to resources to entrenched cultural attitudes. This programme exists to confront those barriers head-on and prepare women to lead and influence the future of Zimbabwean sport,” she added.

Mawema highlighted that graduates from previous intakes are already leading federations and managing institutions at national and regional levels.
“This proves one thing: when women lead, sport succeeds,” she said.

Addressing the new cohort, she congratulated the participants and reminded them of the programme’s long-term vision.

“You are joining a proud legacy and a growing movement that aims to produce 200 capable and dynamic women leaders by 2028. The theme ‘Empower One, Empower Multitudes’ perfectly captures our mission,” she said.

Programme facilitator Angeline Nyaundi described the initiative as critical in addressing the global gender gap in leadership.
 

“We are still only at 22 percent when it comes to women in leadership. That is very little, and that is why this programme is very key in developing young women, especially in the sports sector,” she said.

Nyaundi emphasized the ripple effect of empowering women in sport leadership.

“When a woman is empowered and understands the value of sport, it plays a key role in how children are brought up. We want to give women confidence, not just to participate but to lead,” she said, adding that the programme will continue to expand despite challenges.

Zimbabwe National Sports Promotion for Economic Development representative Rosa Danda also praised the initiative.

“As a woman, I feel greatly honored, respected and empowered. This programme is pulling women from all provinces and giving them confidence to know that they can also lead,” she said.