Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe, urged women in the transport sector to continue advancing into leadership and technical fields traditionally dominated by men.
Officiating at the International Women’s Day commemorations, yesterday, Eng. Makumbe described the event as an important moment to celebrate the role of women while reflecting on the progress made toward gender equality.
“It is indeed an honour to gather and recognise a day that has been set aside globally to celebrate and accelerate the advancement of women in all spheres of life.
This day reminds us of the progress that has been made over the years, but it also calls upon us to continue working together to dismantle the barriers that still stand in the way of women achieving their full potential,” said Eng Makumbe.
She noted that the transport and infrastructure sector, which has historically been male-dominated, is gradually undergoing transformation as more women enter technical professions and assume leadership roles.
“Within our Ministry and the broader sector, we are witnessing a positive transformation as more women are now entering technical fields and taking up leadership positions.
This is a clear indication that women are capable of excelling in all areas, including those that were once considered the preserve of men,” she added.
Eng. Makumbe reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting gender equality and ensuring that women are empowered to thrive in their careers.
“As a Ministry, we remain committed to promoting gender mainstreaming across all our policies, programmes and projects. This is essential in ensuring that the needs and perspectives of women are fully integrated into the work that we do,” she noted.
She added that the Ministry will continue to prioritise the creation of a safe and supportive working environment.
“We are equally committed to creating a workplace that is safe, inclusive and supportive for all employees, and one that is free from discrimination and harassment,” Eng. Makumbe said.
The Permanent Secretary also expressed appreciation to presenters who shared knowledge and insights with participants during the commemorations.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the presenters who took their time to equip us with valuable knowledge and skills on various relevant topics. It is my hope that the information shared here will not only benefit those present but will also be shared with colleagues who could not attend,” she said.
International Women’s Day is commemorated annually on March 08 to celebrate the achievements of women while promoting gender equality and empowerment. In Zimbabwe, Government ministries and institutions mark the day through activities aimed at encouraging women’s participation and leadership across all sectors of the economy.
