Margaret Banda is HALO Zimbabwe's HR and Office Manager. She has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Zimbabwe Open University and over 20 years experience working in the public and non-profit sectors. Margaret joined HALO in 2015, looking to progress her career and motivated by HALO's life-changing work. Margaret is passionate about giving women the opportunity to act as leaders; providing a role model for the next generation of young women. She is mother to four grown up children—Catherine, Tendai, John and Chiedza.
How long have you been working for HALO and why did you first join?
I joined HALO in 2015, it has been six good years. I joined HALO for career progression having been offered a senior role. I was also fond of the life changing work they were doing in communities.
Do you think it is important to have women in leadership positions?
Yes, it is very important to have women in leadership positions. I believe in the African Proverb “If you educate a woman, you educate a nation." When women get into leadership, they not only develop themselves but they make it their priority to develop other people. Women in leadership also pose as great role models for other women, proving that it is possible to achieve such a status.
What do men in your community think of women doing this work, clearing landmines and making Zimbabwe safe?
A number of the men think that women are not good enough. As Zimbabwe is a patriarchal society, these men believe that leadership positions and risky jobs belong to men. There is the belief that women are only recruited and promoted to achieve gender parity and not because they are competent.
HOW HAS WORKING FOR HALO IMPACTED YOUR OWN LIFE AND THAT OF YOUR FAMILY?
Working for HALO has developed my managerial and HR skills. As part of continual professional development, whilst employed at HALO, I have obtained a Diploma in Labour Relations with the Institute of People Management (IPMZ). Working for HALO has also improved the livelihood of my family, as I have been able to pay for my children’s tertiary education.
What are your personal ambitions for the future?
In the future, my goal is to be a Chief Executive Officer for a non-governmental organisation.
Reflections from Margaret
Are there other women that inspire you?
There are several women who inspire me:
The late Dambudzo Jambwa the former Head of Finance and Administration Manager of Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC). Despite being surrounded by more experienced and qualified individuals, she was recognised for her strong work ethic and offered the post.
Phyllis Johnson the founder of SARDC. She is not only passionate about mentoring women but her organisation is well established resource centre. The majority of her staff/researchers are women. She believes and proves that women can do anything they put their mind to.
Oppah Muchinguri, the honourable Minister of Defence in the Cabinet of Zimbabwe. Oppah holds such a high post in a male dominated government and ministry. She is also very confident in her demeanour and eloquent in her speech. Oppah was invited to HALO’s land handover ceremony and delivered a well-researched speech.
What is the one global issue you would solve, if you could?
I would make sure that natural disasters such as tsunamis and cyclones are detected before they occur. That way governments would be well prepared, and the impact of the disasters would be less.
