“Globally in general and in Africa particularly, entrepreneurship has been a male-dominated pursuit which has been supported by centuries of social construction values that have sought to exclude women from meaningful economic activities,” she said in a recent interview
Events coordination and planning came naturally to her. Since starting her company in 2007 she has established a strong brand both online and offline and has lured many local and international clients.
“Social networking has given me the ability to market this brand all around the world, expanding my business exposure. I currently have a team of part-time event assistants. Through this I am contributing in the fight for job creation opportunities in this country and women empowerment programmes,” she said.
There’s no denying that women business owners have come a long way. But Chisoka says gender discrimination continues to hold them back.
She talks of difficulties confronted in sourcing and raising funds for running her company.
“Zimbabwe should take a lead in the current economic empowerment exercise and ensure women are not relegated to spectators but significant participants. We haven’t heard much of women in empowerment and indigenisation programmes. My company was established in 2007, but I only fully started operations last year as I struggle for funds to kick-start my business. Our government has to work hard in promoting women,” Chisoka said.
“Investors naturally give less consideration to business women and I suppose this is because there is still that strong feeling that the world of business is mainly suited for big men in suits. It’s easier for business men to raise capital than a woman,” she added.
She is keen to play a role to play in assisting women in the sub-region, and was full of praise for entrepreneur Kubi Indi, who is Secretary-General of the Indigenous Business Women’s Organisation in Zimbabwe.
“Despite her great achievements, Kubi has remained humble and always helps the needy whenever she can. She managed to establish a well-known beauty products company in Southern Africa regardless of the challenges she encountered. Indi is very active in the development community, particularly with respect to issues affecting women and we really need to rally behind her,” she emphasised.
Chisoka is studying for a BCom specialising in Management with UNISA and recently enrolled in the Advanced Wedding Planning Certification with the SA School of Weddings.
She also dreams of returning home one day to establish a Wedding and Events Planning School.
“A lot of people in the country are interested in getting into this industry and they don’t have many options when it comes to training. I also see myself running a world class business and providing services in the whole of Southern Africa and beyond,” she said.
She is driven by the saying: “The winners in life think constantly in terms of I am, I can, I will. Losers, on the other hand, concentrate their waking thoughts on what they should have or would have done, or what they can’t do. The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something.”
Post published in: Africa News