Celebrating Women’s Leadership: A Heartfelt Gathering by WILD

Celebrating women is not just an event; it is a powerful acknowledgement of their significant contributions to leadership. This sentiment resonated deeply as Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) capped off this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations with a remarkable gathering that left an indelible mark on all who attended.

The event drew a close-knit group from the Women Leaders Sounding Board, alongside influential figures such as the current National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Stacey Mujuru, and the trailblazing sports journalist Buhlebenkosi Ncube from Bulawayo. This Leadership and Mentorship Session was both intimate and enlightening, creating a nurturing environment where stories and insights flowed freely.

Buhlebenkosi Ncube, the Founder of Sports Grind with Buhle, took center stage, sharing her inspiring journey of navigating the challenging landscape of leadership in a predominantly male-dominated field. Her experiences resonated with many attendees, offering valuable lessons on resilience, determination, and the importance of carving out one’s own space in leadership roles. Ncube’s candid reflections illuminated the unique challenges women face and the opportunities that often lie hidden within those challenges.

The session evolved into a vibrant exchange, allowing women from various backgrounds to share their heartfelt stories of triumph and adversity. Each narrative underscored the importance of identifying opportunities in environments where women frequently feel marginalized or excluded from leadership positions. This open dialogue fostered a sense of community and solidarity, empowering participants to recognize their own potential and the impact they can have on future generations.

Moreover, the gathering served as a crucial platform for encouraging reflections on the commitments outlined in the Beijing Declaration Platform for Action. As participants engaged in discussions about the path forward, it became clear that young women must not only dream of leadership but actively pursue it, armed with the knowledge and support of those who have walked similar paths.

To conclude this inspiring event, attendees embraced a High Tea themed dress code, a vibrant reminder of the elegance and confidence that define the women’s rights movement. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, encouragement, and a shared commitment to uplift one another.

In celebrating the collective achievements of women, WILD not only honoured those who have paved the way but also ignited a renewed sense of purpose among the next generation of female leaders. This gathering was more than just a celebration; it was a call to action, a reminder that the journey toward gender equality is a shared responsibility, and that women can and will create lasting change.