Nyashadzaishe Rushwaya
HARARE-The Women in Tourism Network has strengthened its leadership structures following a national conference held at the Sheraton Hotel in Harare on 13 August 2026, which ushered in a new executive committee.
The conference saw members coming together to deliberate on the future of women’s participation and leadership in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
The conference provided a platform for women from across the tourism industry to share ideas, strengthen collaboration and chart a collective path towards greater participation of women in tourism development.
A key highlight of the gathering was the election of the National Executive Committee of the Women in Tourism Network, which will provide leadership and coordination for the network as it continues to promote opportunities for women within the tourism value chain.
The newly selected committee is led by Shelter Chitsungo, who assumes the position of national chairperson, deputised by Janet Rushwaya, while Tiny Gango takes up the position of secretary general.
The executive committee also includes Lisa Musiyarira as treasurer, with Tsitsi Similar France, Marshall Muyambu and Linda Tikonjeni serving as committee members.
The new leadership comes at a time when women are playing an increasingly important role in Zimbabwe’s tourism ecosystem, from hospitality and gastronomy to arts, crafts, cultural heritage, travel services and community-based tourism.
The conference underscored the importance of creating stronger networks that can enable women to access markets, build business partnerships, develop skills and contribute meaningfully to national tourism development.
The new committee is expected to foster unity among women in tourism while ensuring that the voices, experiences and aspirations of women from different sectors and communities are represented at national level.
The establishment of the new National Executive Committee marks an important step in strengthening the Women in Tourism Network as a platform for empowerment, mentorship, collaboration and economic opportunities.
As Zimbabwe continues to position tourism as a key driver of economic development, the active participation of women remains critical. The new committee therefore has an opportunity to build on the momentum generated by the conference and create practical initiatives that translate women’s participation into sustainable livelihoods and stronger tourism enterprises.
The Harare conference ended with a renewed sense of purpose, with the new leadership expected to work collectively towards a more inclusive tourism sector where women are not only participants but also decision-makers, entrepreneurs, innovators and custodians of Zimbabwe’s rich tourism, arts and cultural heritage.
