By Virginia Njovo
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare recently held a three-day senior management retreat in Masvingo, themed ‘Transformative Leadership: Securing Tomorrow, Living with Purpose’.
The retreat, which was held in partnership with the National Building Society (NBS) and the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), was aimed at equipping leaders with the necessary skills to address mental health, gender issues, and inclusivity in the workplace.
The Ministry’s Director for Gender Mainstreaming, Inclusivity and Wellness, Ruvarashe Chigiya-Mujeni said the retreat was a response to a notable gap in addressing these critical issues.
“We have seen a notable gap in addressing gender issues, inclusivity, and mental health. With these retreats, we aim to continuously equip our leaders with the necessary skills,” said Mujeni.
The retreat featured sessions on adaptive leadership, emotional intelligence, and financial resilience.
Renowned publisher, lawyer, and Human Capital Consultant, Dr. Arthur Marara, emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.
“A leader should be adaptable to change and uncertainty. They need to lead with emotional intelligence, focusing on personal budgeting, debt management, investment strategies, and the psychology of money,” Said Marara.
Winfield Strategy and Innovation Chief Executive Officer Precious Murena Nyika highlighted the need for self-awareness in leadership.
Nyika also noted the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, despite women constituting over 50 percent of the population.
“There is a significant gap in women taking leadership positions, despite women comprising over 50 percent of the population. Sessions like these are essential for addressing inclusivity and equity in our institutions,” said Nyika.
The retreat sought to empower leaders with practical tools to build inclusive workplaces and address biases effectively. By capacitating leaders on mental health, gender issues, and inclusivity, the ministry aims to create a more equitable and supportive work environment.
The retreat is a step in the right direction towards promoting transformative leadership and creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture. By prioritizing the well-being and development of its leaders, the ministry is setting an example for other organizations to follow.
