mbulelo smpofu
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
A NEWLY established women empowerment group in Bulawayo, Women of Strength and Dignity (WOSAD), is set to create a business chamber dedicated to supporting women-led and owned enterprises.
WOSAD serves as a vibrant community of women who exemplify courage, resilience, and grace, fostering a supportive environment where members uplift one another to achieve their fullest potential.
Speaking at the launch of the group, the founder, Mrs Thembelihle Madondo said they were a group of empowered and dignified Adventist businesswomen whose value drivers include empowerment initiatives, innovation, ethical business conduct and community development.
“Our objectives are to identify business opportunities for women, empower women with resources and networks that enable exploration of opportunities. We will also train women in relevant business skills for our environment,” she said.
She said they had been operating for about six months and had set up a goal to guide their vision forward.
Mrs Madondo revealed that as they enter 2025 they aim to set up a WOSAD business desk that will play a pivotal role in identifying business opportunities that their members can explore.
“We will also set up a WOSAD business chamber critical for improving the local business environment for our members and strengthening communities through advocacy, networking and campaigning. In addition, this will create an easy line of communication for business owners to connect with governing bodies.”
Mrs Madondo said they were also going to collaborate with the Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) on training and development of women in business.
She said they were going to establish an accelerator and incubation hub to provide support and training on entrepreneurial skills through workshops, mentorships, and ongoing support, but also through opening up a network of investors, customers, potential partners and more.
Mrs Madondo said: “In our five-year plan, in 2026 we hope to establish a micro-finance for women in business and take members of our business chamber on a tour and prayer breakfast in Dubai. For the third year in 2027, we will establish an assurance company for women and establish formal training for women empowerment and development.”
She said in 2028 they will establish an asset management company for women as well as a formal school for women empowerment that starts from Early Childhood Development (ECD) up to high school.
Mrs Madondo said in 2029 they were hoping to establish a university that produces skills for women empowerment and development.
The guest speaker at the launch, South African-based speaker and author, Mrs Beauty Kotela who is also an education consultant and community developer, called on women to uplift each other.
“The problem that we have as women is that we have the pull her down syndrome, also known as PhD syndrome. This is an act of maliciously envying someone and wanting to destroy their good fortune. If we do away with such mentality and support each other we can all grow,” she said.
She called on the women to embrace initiatives such as WOSAD that are promoting women empowerment by giving them the confidence and resources to make their own choices and pursue their goals.
