By Tendai Keith Guvamombe (Harare)
Zimbabwe is gearing up for its very first Women in Engineering Conference & Awards, set to take
place on Monday, 23 June 2025, at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). This exciting
event will bring together influential figures from government, industry, and academia.
This initiative is a joint effort by Kunthom Media Solutions, the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers
(ZIE), and Women in Engineering Zimbabwe, all under the inspiring theme: “TogetherWeEngineer:
Promoting Collaboration for a Diverse and Inclusive Engineering Future.”
The programme is packed with engaging activities, including leadership panels, executive
masterclasses, skills workshops, and a prestigious Gala Awards Ceremony that will honour
outstanding women in the engineering field.
Eng. Joy Makumbe, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural
Development, is set to deliver the keynote address. Other notable speakers include Dr. Tammy
Stevenson (CMED), Eng. Irene Kamutero (Masimba Holdings), Dr. Mary Chikuruwo (SIRDC), and
Chiedza Chigombe (Kubota Engineering).
“Engineering is no longer the preserve of men,” remarked Dr. Sanzan Diarra, CEO of the Zimbabwe
Institution of Engineers. “Women professionals are leading national infrastructure projects and
mentoring the next generation. We’re proud to support a platform that affirms their visibility and
voice.”
While women make up less than 20% of Zimbabwe’s registered engineers, their influence is steadily
increasing across sectors such as mining, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and innovation. This
event aims to further this progress by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and recognition.
Attendance is open through registration and is aimed at industry professionals, engineering students,
and invited stakeholders who are dedicated to promoting gender inclusion within the sector.
