The Zimbabwe Women Doctors’ Association had an active first quarter marked by community outreach, international representation, and two major March events centred on recognition and professional development. A major highlight was the ZWDA Awards Dinner, which drew strong member participation and regional visibility.
The Zimbabwe Women Doctors’ Association (ZWDA), affiliated with the Zimbabwe Medical Association and the Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA), had a strong and visible first quarter in 2026. In January, ZWDA partnered in a cancer screening outreach at St Theresa’s Hospital, Chirumhanzu, held in recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and World Cancer Day. Members volunteered their expertise in support of screening and community health education.
On 8 March 2026, the President of ZWDA participated in the International Women’s Day programme hosted by the World Medical Association, joining leaders from other medical associations in reflecting on women’s contribution to medicine and the need to empower future women leaders in healthcare.
ZWDA also participated in the Women in Science, Technology and Innovation Conference from 18 to 20 March 2026, where the President delivered the “Healthy Start” session in a programme focused on women’s health, productivity, and innovation.
A major highlight of the quarter was the ZWDA Awards Dinner held on 14 March 2026 in Harare. The event brought together women doctors, senior clinicians, academics, partners, sponsors, and invited guests in celebration of excellence, leadership, service, research, and mentorship. Attendance was strong, with 125 people present. The dinner also demonstrated overwhelming support from members in recognising one another, with over 70 nominations submitted across 11 award categories.
Dr Joyce Sakala, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Zambia and MWIA Regional Vice President for Near East and Africa, attended as Guest of Honour. She also presented MWIA Congress awards to Dr Mwatsveruka Munhutu and Dr Darshani Parekh in recognition of honorary membership, and to Dr Madeline Nyamwanza Makonese, who received the Pioneer Woman Doctor Award in recognition of her historic distinction as the first African woman doctor in Zimbabwe.
The quarter closed with the virtual ZWDA Scientific Conference on 21 March 2026 with the theme “AI Era in Medicine,” which focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare and ZWDA’s continuing role in capacity building and professional development.
Fig 1. Dr Joyce Sakala giving her Guest of Honour Address at the ZWDA Awards Dinner night.
Fig 2. Awards Dinner group photograph featuring Dr Joyce Sakala with ZWDA leadership and award recipients.
