Bianca Leboho Herald Reporter Businesswomen who excel in their enterprises vindicate Government’s gender policy that treats women as equal with men, Minister of State in Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s Office Cde Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga has said.

She implored businesswomen to continue excelling in sectors that were previously dominated by men.

Minister Kanengoni-Malinga made the remarks at a luncheon held in honour of two businesswomen, Mrs Smelly Dube and Ms Audrey Muchake, who were conferred with Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Degrees by the International Institute of Philanthropy in Harare on Monday.

“It is so pleasing when women compete with their male counterparts in doing business,” she said.

“It becomes even more encouraging when those hardworking women extend their philanthropic works by contributing to the community to the extent of getting an international recognition.”

Minister Kanengoni-Malinga hailed the two businesswomen for their perseverance and dedication.

“I want to extend my hearty congratulations to the two women, Dr Smelly Dube and Dr Audrey Muchake for excelling in their humanitarian works.

“You should continue working hard for the betterment of our society and you have made us proud as women,” she said.

Mrs Dube scooped the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Businesswoman-of-the-Year award last week.

The other two recipients of the degrees were Mutare-based businessman and Member of Parliament for Mutare Central, Cde Esau Mupfumi, and Calstern Sibanda.

The conferment of the degrees, which are non-academic, was in recognition of their philanthropic works and contribution to the society.

The United Kingdom-based International Institute of Philanthropy rewards individuals who excel in philanthropic and humanitarian works in the society without necessarily basing their selection on academic excellence.