Charles Maregere
03 March 2017, Women are certainly inspiring change within pharmacy at all levels and across all sectors which is all crucial as we celebrate the achievements of women who are making a difference to the profession. Grace says, “Women have gotten through pharmacy school, been working full-time, and they have ascended into those management roles across all pharmacy settings.”
Grace who runs a pharmacy in Masvingo, also mentors junior Pharmacists and in a way helping to develop pharmacists as professionals. “I want both male and female pharmacists to be capable and confident in doing their work such that they are able to realize their full potential.”
From humble beginnings at St Ignatius College in Chishawasha, Grace has a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) from the University of Zimbabwe as well as another post-graduation managerial qualification.
She recently attended the Afro Asia Indian meeting Pharmexcil organised by the pharmaceutical manufacturers of India in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of India held in September 2016 in Hyderbad India.
With a wealth of experience to tap from Grace has worked at senior level for various Local and International organisations.
Grace also acknowledges that her success did not just come on a silver platter ,she had to be firm and put extra effort to ride above societal myths ,misconceptions and all the stereotypes faced by the girl child growing up and taking up sciences to trail blaze her career. As a prayerful woman she thanks the almighty God for her mother who has been the backbone and powerhouse to her success story.
How would you encourage a young woman into this field?
“Pharmacists are the experts in medicines,” she says. “They have the skills and there are great opportunities out there for women in pharmacy who are determined enough. To be a leader Grace hints that one need to be a good communicator, open-minded, confident, enthusiastic, have initiative, proactive, flexible and organised. Many women have these qualities. They just need to believe in themselves more.” local
