Student Spotlight: Mutsawashe Hannah Muzamhindo 

What inspired you to pursue the Gender Equality Changemakers certification? Could you share the most challenging and rewarding moments during the process.  

Having faced personal experiences of gender-based discrimination and inequality was my biggest motivator to pursue the Gender Equality Changemakers programme. I have the wildest desire to change these inequalities, so I will be a voice, break down gender stereotypes and challenge societal norms. Apart from personal experiences in the workplaces as well as the society, I got to recognise how important it is to have gender diversity in leadership and decision-making roles, especially in businesses where most individuals spend their time. If gender inequalities are addressed in the workplace, it will be easier to address these at home and within our societies. Inequalities are better addressed when one has the correct knowledge and is equipped to explain what gender equity is and implement the correct measures.  

 

Key learnings and insights 

What are the most impactful insights or skills you gained from the programme and how has this certification shaped your views on gender equity in your work or field? 

Learning and understanding about the Gender Action Plan was one impactful insight I gained from the programme. Before the programme, I had haphazard ideas on how to implement change, but my ideas were not correctly structured, which could have an impact on how I implement effective change. However, the Gender Action Plan exercises gave a new insight and overview on how to bring about change in a desired way which is organised and able to convince those who resist gender equity change in businesses.  

Through this certification, my views on gender equity have changed. I now have a clearer understanding that gender equity and equality does not only refer to females but everyone- male, female, including people with disabilities. This has also helped me be an inclusive leader and understand when implementing change not only to focus on female equity but for everyone to create an inclusive community with opportunities equal to all.  

 

Impact on your work 

How are you bringing what you have learned into your daily work or projects and are there any specific examples where your certification has made a difference? 

Understanding the inclusivity surrounding gender equity has helped me as a manager and a co-worker to remove all biases around that issue and be able to come up with strategies and policies for and within my team which are inclusive. For example, each team member despite their gender must attend exhibitions and training on gender equality. All team members must help set up stands, have corporate wear which caters for everyone and use the correct language when addressing other persons within the organisation.   

 

Future goals and aspirations 

How would you envision promoting gender equity moving forward and what are your next steps or dreams as a Gender Equality Changemaker?  

Going forward, I want to continue learning about gender equity as well as know and understand the challenges that marginalised genders face. I want to be able to challenge stereotypes through advocacy of change in policy at my workplace and the community I am in. I will continue to listen actively, engage and have open-minded conversations regarding gender equity. I envision gender equity promotion through fostering and creating inclusive work environments: safe spaces which value diversity and promote gender equality.  

As a Gender Equality Changemaker, my dream is to be a voice and impact not only my community, but the whole of my country and move on to my continent and the global world. My goal is being able to be part of already established organisations which promote gender equity and equality and collaborate with them in training and awareness campaigns in organisations and communities. My other dream is to drive and be a part of a community that celebrates success and progress towards gender equity and equality.  

 

Advice for others 

What would you say to someone considering this certification or how can others in your field make meaningful contributions to gender equity? 

The certification is more than a paper- it is an embrace of change and a new lifestyle which is inclusive. Consider this certification is an honour to change your lifestyle, be open-minded and be part of the community which strives for gender equity. This is a great certification for fellow managers in decision-making positions who want to make meaningful contributions and have policies which promote gender equity and provide resources for training and education for gender equality in our workplaces so they can influence the community.  

 

Broader reflections on Gender Equity 

What changes do you think are needed to push gender equity forward in your industry or sector? 

Gender Equity is important as it is a human right that is regarded as achieving equality for all individuals. Gender equity addresses issues like social justice, and economic growth as equal participation of women and marginalised genders boosts innovation and productivity, better and improved health care and resources to alienate gender-based discords, education, political representation, no violence as well as diverse perspectives are welcome in societies. The address of these sums up why gender equity is important.  

To push gender equity, there is a need to change policy, change of ideas and mindsets. Starting from the leaders as they are the ones with influence. It is important to avail resources to persons, communities and organisations which educate and advocate for gender equity so they can conduct work across all communities re-educate people and eliminate gender biases which might come from culture, and religious mindset amongst others. 

 

Personal stories and anecdotes 

Are there any personal experiences that highlight the importance of gender equity for you? How was your understanding of gender equity evolved and what role did this certification play in evolution? 

Being undermined by male superiors and passed over promotions because I am a woman at an organisation and industry which is labelled as a ‘male environment’. Despite having the relevant qualifications and experience to be promoted into management, I was passed over for male candidates. This experience made me want to understand more about gender equity and challenge that status quo, not only for me but also for generations to come. And having a daughter I would not want her to experience the same. After a year of resigning at the workplace, I believed they did not recognise my efforts I am back at the organisation in a managerial role, but before taking the job back I presented my value and how I wanted to be viewed that women can do it perfectly the same. I would want to be a leader with a difference in the organisation and work on a gender change framework (Gender Action Plan) which I hope to be adopted by the organisation. 

My journey through the certification has widened my understanding of gender equity. Because of personal experience, I thought and believed gender inequalities only affected women. However, this has changed as I have learnt to let my cultural views and religious views not be a source of bias but to lead and live in an inclusive community and society. 

 

By Mutsawashe Hannah Muzamhindo  

Sales & Marketing Manager  at Massbreed Investments t/a FAW Zimbabwe  

DFI Alumni and Community Member

Established in 2015, Digital Frontiers Institute is a proud brand of Digital Frontiers. Learn more about the Gender Equality Changemakers programme and find out how to enrol: https://genderequality.digitalfrontiersinstitute.org/