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Oliver Kazunga
Senior Business Reporter

Nearly 200 female executives and entrepreneurs from diverse sectors attended a transformative financial inclusion meeting designed to foster dialogue around the role of female leaders in driving economic growth and empowerment.

The Financial Inclusion Roundtable Breakfast Meeting, which was held in Harare last Friday, was sponsored by Old Mutual in partnership with New Faces New Voices.

It brought together policymakers, emerging female leaders, and industry experts to discuss strategies for enhancing financial access for underserved communities.

New Faces New Voices is a Pan-African network of women in finance under the Graca Machel Trust.

“According to our study, out of 50 Zimbabwe stock exchange-listed companies, only 18 percent have female directors,” New Faces New Voices chairperson Ms Olga Denga said.

“Of the 19 banking institutions, only one has a female managing director, and out of eight deposit-taking microfinance institutions, only one is headed by a woman.”

The roundtable also showcased success stories from women in leadership.

Old Mutual Women’s Network (OWN) representative and chief risk officer of Old Mutual Zimbabwe Ms Eunice Mejekenyeki told the gathering that: “OWN provides a space for women to connect, share experiences, and support each other.

“As an inclusive community, the Old Mutual Women’s Network has welcomed men, allowing them to participate and contribute to solutions addressing the challenges faced by women.

“Additionally, Old Mutual has established a men’s forum that serves as an extension of OWN.”

Old Mutual Zimbabwe group marketing, public affairs, and sustainability executive Ms Lillian Mbayiwa said her organisation has consistently worked towards fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment by bringing together talented women and providing them with a platform to grow, empower themselves, and make a difference in their communities.

“Gender equality and the amplification of women’s voices are realities within Old Mutual, with 50 percent of Exco members being women, supported by the efforts of OWN,” she said.