ON the evening of March 28 at Cresta Msasa Hotel in Harare, the African Women in Healthcare Awards unfolded as both celebration and reckoning: a luminous tribute to women who heal, lead and reimagine Africa’s medical landscape.
Beneath the soft glow of chandeliers and the rhythm of jazz, voices rose not just in applause, but in affirmation of a future where women stand at the forefront of healthcare transformation.
At the apex of the evening’s message was Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development deputy minister Kiven Mutimbanyoka, the guest of honour, who underscored the urgency of building inclusive systems anchored on education, respect, empowerment and equality.
He reaffirmed government support for women-led enterprises and healthcare initiatives, positioning them as critical to national development and Vision 2030 aspirations.
His remarks framed the event within a broader socio-economic agenda and one that recognises women not as participants, but as drivers of progress.
“So as government, we felt this was actually a very important programme and we felt we needed to be part of it such that at the end of the day, we also actually then give them that pat at the back to say, ‘you’re doing very well. We’ll continue supporting you and what you’re doing is actually impacting on the lives of our people’,” Mutimbanyoka said.
“So that was exactly the problem that we had here.
We’re so excited to be part and parcel of it and we’ll forever be supportive, and we want the best out of our women.
“For a very long time, our women have surprised us and we are saying it’s high time they came up. There’s no better way of supporting them [other than] encouraging them to come out the way we’ve done today.”
Fungai Tanhara, vice-president of the African Healthcare Brands Institute, delivered a keynote address steeped in reflection and resolve.
She highlighted the historical under-recognition of African women in medicine, declaring the awards a turning point in rewriting that narrative.
Her address captured both the weight of legacy and the promise of generational change.
“When women rise, healthcare transforms — and nations thrive,” she noted.
From a continental lens, Ntokozo Mzimela, a pathologist and health advocate, offered a deeply personal yet widely resonant perspective.
Drawing from over two decades of service in healthcare, she reflected on the evolving role of women — from caregivers to pioneers in science, policy and innovation — while acknowledging persistent systemic barriers.
She said, “Women are no longer just caregivers; we are leaders and innovators,” adding that they were redefining what was possible for African women in science.
“Challenges remain, but they have fuelled our resilience,” Mzimela noted and emphasised that women should continue shaping solutions that speak to communities.
A defining highlight of the evening was the address by neurosurgeon and global health advocate Nozipo Maraire, whose story drew admiration and reflection in equal measure.
Blending poetry with personal testimony, she spoke of forging paths where none existed, embodying the spirit of African excellence.
“I took the road less travelled — and it made all the difference,” Maraire said.
“There are no signposts when you are the first; you become the map. I had to discover my authentic self in unfamiliar spaces.
“Being honoured at home is one of the greatest privileges.”
Events such as the African Women in Healthcare Awards are more than ceremonial as they are cultural anchors.
They amplify voices often relegated to the margins, validate lived experiences and inspire a new generation of girls to envision themselves in laboratories, operating theatres and leadership corridors.
In celebrating excellence, they also challenge institutions to sustain equity beyond applause.
In a lengthy celebration, the awards honoured 39 women across disciplines spanning surgery, dentistry, mental health, nutrition and community health leadership.
The first cohort included trailblazers such as Mejury Chipato for health entrepreneurship, Fortunate Matinatsa Mudede-Moffat for orthopaedic excellence and Susan Mushunje for dentistry and mentorship.
Others recognised included Gamuchirai Chinamasa for mental health advocacy and Quinn Sowa for healthcare innovation, each reflecting a blend of professional mastery and community impact.
The second group spotlighted leaders such as Mzimela for pathology and education, Precious Mutambanengwe for paediatric surgery and Caroline Muvingi for mental wellness innovation.
Emerging voices like Makomborero Dodzo and Tafadzwa Meki signalled a promising future, while Maraire stood tall, earning distinction not only as an award recipient, but as a celebrated guest.
Her dual recognition drew admiration, with attendees visibly moved by her speech.
Sponsors Old Mutual, Geronimo Consultancy and Winfield Business School took pride in watching the smooth-running event that included a red carpet photo shoot.
