By Lady Uncensored
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of promoting young girls and women’s leadership development in Zimbabwe. One way in which this is being achieved is through sponsorship of female and gendered awards in disciplines like debate and public speaking by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the corporate sector. The Girls Table, an organization for girls and young women sponsored a Shield, Trophy and Medals in the Bulawayo Schools Debate Rumble 2024 that saw the debate speaker tab dominated by Nomthandazo Ncube from Sizane High school.
These awards not only provide a platform for young girls and women to showcase their talents and skills, but also serve as a means of empowering them to take on leadership roles in their communities and beyond. By recognizing and rewarding their achievements in these traditionally male-dominated fields, these awards help to break down gender barriers and stereotypes and encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in leadership and public speaking.
Addressing the hundreds in attendance, Bekezela Mguni from The Girls Table said, “The Girls Table is happy to have been part of the Bulawayo Schools Debate Rumble as debating is a platform for diverse voices to be heard and to encourage healthy discussion on various topics. This can promote an inclusive environment for girls and young women. I applaud the young women and girls who participated in this debate hoping we will have many young women winning. If you noticed our banner is written Strengthening Young Women’s Participation in Leadership and l hope young women will take a lead in this Debate Rumble.”
NGOs and the corporate sector play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives as they provide the funding and resources needed to organize and promote these awards. By investing in the development of young girls and women’s leadership skills, these organizations are helping to create a more inclusive and diverse society where women are able to fully participate and contribute to decision-making processes.
Furthermore, by sponsoring female and gendered awards in disciplines like debate and public speaking, NGOs and the corporate sector are sending a powerful message that they value and support the leadership potential of young girls and women. This not only boosts the confidence and self-esteem of the award recipients, but also inspires other girls and women to strive for excellence in their chosen fields.
In closing, Founding Director of Bulawayo Schools Debate Rumble, Mduduzi Ncube said, “The role of NGOs and the corporate sector in promoting young girls and women’s leadership development through sponsorship of female and gendered awards in disciplines like debate and public speaking cannot be overstated. These awards not only recognize and reward the achievements of talented young women, but also help to create a more inclusive and diverse society where women are able to thrive and succeed. It is essential that we continue to support and invest in these initiatives in order to empower the next generation of leaders in Zimbabwe and beyond.”
Bulawayo Schools Debate Rumble 2024 was held on the 17th and 18th of May 2024 at Milton High school with support from Mwanasikana Wanhasi, Population Solutions for Health, Simbisa Brands and Keyona TV.
