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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent

Zimbabwe Newspapers Limited (Zimpapers) public relations manager Mrs Pauline Matanda bagged the community leaders award in the women in public relations, communications and marketing awards on Friday for the sterling job she is doing in marketing the company’s brand. Mrs Matanda won together with Ms Cordelia Shereni, the public relations manager of Avenues Clinic.

Platinum Lithium Zimbabwe public relations manager Mrs Rugare Dhobbie also scooped an award in the Bridge Builders category, together with Ms Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, Ms Connie Pasipamire of Zinara and Ms Tanyaradzwa Manyemba.

Rumbidzai Mushayapi from ZTN also scooped an award in the Mood Boosters category. Other women in public relations, communications and marketing were also honoured with awards in different categories for the good job they were doing in marketing the brands of their companies.

The auspicious event was organised by the Institute of Public Relations and Communications Zimbabwe and it ran under the theme “Empowering Women in PR and Communications: Breaking Barriers Inspiring the Next Generation.”

Speaking at the event, Mr Thomas Lusiyano, managing director of Bindura Nickel Cooperation, who was the guest of honour, said women were doing exceptionally well in the PR and Communications industry.

“Women have to fight very hard to break the barriers that have been imposed on them by societies,” he said.

“These women have stories that need to be celebrated. The public relations and communications sphere is evolving every day and do not underestimate the power of networking as it is powerful. We need to celebrate women who have grown the PR fraternity to what it is now today.”

“They have also opened the doors for other women to come in and I strongly encourage you to hold each other’s hand and create opportunities for other women. You need each to be each other’s keeper to break through.”

There were testimonials from women who came from humble beginnings to become vibrant communications personnel in the business industry.