AS February draws to a close, companies gear up to celebrate Women’s Month in March, a time to honour women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality.
The theme this year is Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls running under a campaign #GiveToGain.
The Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe (IIZ) is no exception; the institute is celebrating its president, Clementine Chinyuku, and other women in insurance, who are thriving in a sector considered “male-dominated”.
Under Chinyuku’s leadership, IIZ is working to break down barriers and create opportunities for women in insurance.
Her journey into insurance was accidental.
In 1996, she applied for a trainee life underwriter job at Zimnat Life, knowing little about insurance.
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“My journey into insurance was quite serendipitous and far from planned. I often say insurance found me. After high school, while waiting for my A Level results, I came across a job advert for a trainee life underwriter at Zimnat Life,” she recalled.
“I knew almost nothing about insurance, but the role intrigued me. I applied, was honest about my lack of knowledge, but clear about my eagerness to learn, and I was fortunate to be offered the position.”
Chinyuku also credits her professional growth to a six-month stint in South Africa with global reinsurers, where she gained international best practices and solidified her passion for insurance.
Her transition to reinsurance at ZimRe (now Emeritus) saw her rise from assistant roles to head of life and health, honing her strategic thinking and leadership skills.
Over two decades, she progressed through roles including administration manager, head of administration, and, finally, head of life and health.
After 20 years at Emeritus Re, she transitioned to her current role at WAICA Reinsurance in 2024, where she had the opportunity to set up and lead the Life and Health department.
Academically, she started with sciences at A Level and later pursued law out of personal interest, earning an LLB from the University of South Africa.
She then built technical and professional depth through a Certificate of Proficiency in Life, a Diploma in Insurance, a Diploma in Administration, a degree in marketing, a Master’s in Risk and Insurance from the National University of Science and Technology, and a fellowship with the Insurance Institute of South Africa, while working full-time and raising a family.
Mentorship played a huge role in Chinyuku’s journey.
Industry experts like Taurai Ndoro, Sibongile Mbaya and Shepherd Tasara entrusted her with leadership responsibilities, while icons like Dr Grace Muradzikwa and Dr Ruth Ncube inspired her.
“I cannot speak about mentorship without mentioning Dr Bishop Patience Hove, who threw me into the deep end and gave me a voice,” she said.
Today, Chinyuku is the second-ever female president of IIZ.
“My vision was to elevate professional standards in the industry through training, mentorship, continuous professional development (CPD), research, and inclusivity,” she said.
Under her leadership, IIZ has expanded training programmes and launched initiatives to support women in insurance.
Chinyuku notes significant progress in women’s participation.
“When I began, leadership in the sector was largely male-dominated. Today, more women are pursuing insurance and risk management qualifications... We now see a growing cohort of formidable female leaders,” she said, citing examples like Lydia Tanyanyiwa, Joyce Nousenga, Gloria Zvaravanhu, Rutendo Magorimbo, Letwin Mawire, Sekai Chirume, Alice Shumba, Dorcas Chihota, Hazel Nyamuba and Caroline Mbofana.
However, challenges persist.
“Unconscious bias is one of the most persistent challenges. Women’s contributions can still be undervalued or overlooked,” Chinyuku said.
She advocates for policies promoting diversity and mentorship to support women.
“Mentorship is absolutely critical in insurance,” Chinyuku emphasised.
“Effective mentorship bridges generations by transferring knowledge, skills, and professional values... Senior leaders can support emerging talent by actively participating in structured mentorship programmes.”
As the nation looks forward to commemorating Women’s Month, Chinyuku encourages young women considering insurance to be persistent.
“Say yes to opportunities, even when they stretch you. Ask questions, seek feedback, and do not be afraid to dream bigger than your current circumstances. You are not just the future; you are already contributing today.”
The IIZ is launching initiatives to promote inclusivity, including formal mentorship programs and research initiatives.
“We are launching formal mentorship programs designed to support diverse talent and create clear pathways for growth,” Chinyuku said.
Looking ahead, Chinyuku’s message is clear: “You are trailblazers... Keep learning, keep adapting, and keep investing in yourselves... Together, we can dismantle barriers, deepen insurance penetration, and design inclusive solutions that better serve our communities.”
IIZ’s efforts aim to create a more inclusive insurance sector in Zimbabwe, where women can thrive and contribute to the country’s economic growth.