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Harare, Zimbabwe – In a landmark celebration of excellence, resilience, and innovation, Zimbabwe held its inaugural Women in Engineering Awards Ceremony, an event that brought together influential figures across engineering, government, and business to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions of women in the field.
Hosted by Mr Kundai Chidamba of Kunthom Media Services, in proud partnership with the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) and the Women in Engineering Zimbabwe initiative, the event marked a pivotal moment for gender inclusivity in Zimbabwe’s technical and industrial sectors.
The Guest of Honor was Ms. Trish Makaka, CEO of Heritage Housing Projects Pvt Ltd. Other dignitaries included Dr. Engineer Farai Mavhiya-Bhiza, the President of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. Also in attendance were Engineer Tommy Stevenson, Vice President of ZIE; and Engineer Beverly Nyakutsikwa, Chairperson of Zimbabwe Women in Engineering (ZIE), to mention a few.
Delivering the keynote institutional address, Dr. Engineer Farai Mavhiya-Bhiza spoke passionately about the evening’s theme: “Together We Engineer.” She noted that the ceremony built upon the momentum of the inaugural Women in Engineering Conference and highlighted the growing acknowledgment of female engineers’ role in shaping Zimbabwe’s future.
“This event,” she stated, “is a thank-you to all the highly valued contributions made across various technical disciplines and business circles — and a stepping stone toward a future led by inclusivity and innovation.”
The highlight of the evening came as Ms. Trish Makaka, CEO of Heritage Housing Projects, took the stage to deliver a heartfelt, powerful, and deeply personal address.
Makaka recounted her unlikely journey — from running a beauty salon to becoming a leader in land development and housing construction. She credited her husband’s early vision and her tenacity in pushing through rejection, stereotypes, and steep learning curves to become a respected leader in one of Zimbabwe’s most demanding industries.
Today, Ms. Makaka stands at the helm of a group of companies that have delivered thousands of serviced stands and affordable housing units across the country. Her flagship project, Goshen Park, launched in 2024, is set to become the largest self-sustaining development in the Midlands province, featuring 4,500 residential, commercial, and industrial stands, along with water and sanitation systems, solar parks, and shopping centers.
“Engineering,” she said, “is not just about cement and steel. It’s about legacy. It’s about solving problems and building futures. Every woman in this room belongs here, and we must continue to mentor, uplift, and make space for others.”
The awards presented during the evening spanned categories including Leadership, Mentorship, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Lifetime Achievement. Each recipient stood as a beacon for the next generation of engineers — young women daring to dream in blueprints, circuits, and creation.
Among Ms. Makaka’s accolades were the 2023 Women Entrepreneur of the Year – SMEA; 2024 Residential Construction Developer Award – Women in Project Management Zimbabwe; and Best Woman Contractor – SHE Millionaire Africa’s Women Builders Award.
