By 
By Ross Moyo
The Midlands State University Graduate School of Business Leadership, in collaboration with Nust Graduate School of Business Sciences, will host the Women Empowerment Symposium 2026 on 8 May 2026 at the Main Campus in Gweru. The event aims to provide a platform for women to explore strategies for building businesses on their own terms.
The symposium’s theme, “The New blueprint: Women building businesses on their own terms,” underscores the importance of female autonomy in entrepreneurship and leadership development in Zimbabwe.
The keynote speaker for the symposium will be *Dr. Mandas Marikanda*, CEO of The Zimbabwe Women’s Bank. Dr. Marikanda is expected to deliver insights on financial empowerment and banking solutions tailored for women entrepreneurs, highlighting her bank’s role in supporting female-led businesses.
Joining Dr. Marikanda will be *Ms. Alice Pamire*, Managing Director of Corporate Turnarounds. Ms. Pamire’s presentation will focus on business resilience and strategic turnarounds, offering practical advice for women navigating challenging market environments.
The third featured speaker is *Ms. Shumai Nyamadzavo*, a renowned business strategist. Ms. Nyamadzavo’s session will address innovative business models and leadership skills essential for women aspiring to top executive positions in various sectors.
The symposium is open to women in leadership positions across private and public sectors, including churches and other organizations, as well as women aspiring to leadership roles. The event seeks to foster networking and mentorship opportunities among participants.
The program will run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the formal dress-coded venue on the Main Campus in Gweru. Attendees are advised to adhere to the dress code and arrive punctually for the sessions.
The investment fee for the symposium is US$50 per individual, payable by 5 May 2026. Payments can be made via cash deposit or bank transfer to Stanbic Bank, Midlands State University account 95400178801, Swift Code SBICZWHX, Branch Gweru.
Participants must send proof of payment (POP) to Ms. N.G. Moyo at 0773747621 or via email at [email protected]. Transaction references must include depositor details, as Zim payments are not acceptable without this information.
The organizing team, led by Tinashe Marozwa (contact 0777329096, [email protected]), encourages early registration by scanning the provided QR code to secure a spot at the symposium.
The symposium is expected to boost women’s participation in entrepreneurship and leadership, aligning with national efforts to empower female economic independence in Zimbabwe.
Organizers emphasize that the event will provide actionable blueprints for women to scale businesses, manage finances, and navigate corporate environments effectively.
Registration is limited, and interested women are urged to complete payments and submissions before the deadline to avoid exclusion.
The collaboration between Midlands State University and Nust Graduate School signifies an academic push towards gender-inclusive business education and empowerment initiatives in the region.
The Women Empowerment Symposium 2026 promises to be a landmark event inspiring the next generation of female leaders and entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe, with expert insights from Dr. Mandas Marikanda, Ms. Alice Pangeti, Mrs Thembelihle Mloyi Ncube nd Ms. Shama Nyamadzavo.
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