Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Institute of Human Resources Management (IHRM) has taken a major step in recognising and celebrating exceptional women leaders in the field by hosting the Women in Human Resources Awards 2025.
The awards were held in Harare last week, under the theme, Delivering Value, Elevating Outcomes & Advancing Your Career.
Speaking at the event, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise permanent secretary, Mavis Sibanda, applauded the institute for championing excellence in human capital development and creating a platform to celebrate women leaders in HR.
Sibanda highlighted the crucial role HR plays in organisations, noting that HR practitioners are the backbone of any successful enterprise.
“Without human capital, we cannot do anything. I always respect the HR management team and HR staff; I call them my employers because they look after all of us. When women lead, they bring fresh insights, empathy, collaborative energy that transforms teams and fuels business success,” Sibanda said.
She emphasised the need for gender equality and equity in the workplace, citing the National Gender Policy and the National Broad-Based Women Economic Empowerment Framework.
She urged HR practitioners to ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender.
“My ministry strives to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women by carrying out programmes that are responsive to women’s needs, such as funding and training, guided by policies that affirm every woman’s full and equal dignity,” Sibanda said.
“With men, we want women to know that our constitution says that we should not be treated differently, but the same. We are all human beings; it does not matter whether you are a woman or a man. And I implore you as HR practitioners to ensure that there is gender equality and equity.
“You should ensure that equal opportunities exist for our men, children, sons and daughters.”
The implementation of gender equality and women’s empowerment is directed by the National Gender Policy and the National Broad-Based Women’s Economic Empowerment Framework.
This ensures that women have an equal stake in the economy and access to all socioeconomic opportunities.
“The revised National Gender Policy was approved last month, so we are all happy that we are moving together with other nations worldwide, and we are not being left behind,” Sibanda said.
She encouraged the awardees to offer mentorship to young professionals, both men and women, and to be role models.
“Please offer mentorship, share knowledge and create pathways for growth. Together, we will continue to drive organisational excellence and build a brighter future for our country,” Sibanda said.
IHRM board chair Sibongile Muchirahondo said that the awards are a testament to the exceptional work being done by HR professionals and the collective power of women in the sector to drive a positive change.
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