ZRA CELEBRATES FEMALE STAFF- AWARDS EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN

Each year, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) observes the International Women’s Day through participation in national and local commemorations.

This year, the Authority, like in the years past, took the commemoration to a higher level by holding an award ceremony to celebrate and recognise the contributions of women to the national Tax Administrator.

Speaking during the official opening of the award ceremony, ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda, expressed delighted to being part of the event where ZRA celebrates women and recommitted to a good work environment for women.

 “I am delighted to be part of this event where we celebrate women in general and specifically honor the ZRA dedicated female employees, some of whom happen to have been working with us for over 20 years.  Your dedication, commitment and loyalty have shaped and contributed towards our successes. Now, it is our turn to say thank you and reward your contributions”, he said.

Mr. Banda said the awarding of the 24 ladies in various categories, speaks to the mix of the different backgrounds and capabilities, working together as a team.

“We celebrate the diversity among staff that brings to the fore excellence in service, innovation and commitment to integrity and trust from the female members of staff”, he added.

The Commissioner General also acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders in driving the gender equality within the Authority such as the Minister of Finance and National Planning for appointing a board that is gender balanced, with five (5) out of nine (9) members being female, representing 56%, ZRA Workers’ Union, and the ZRA Women Leadership Development Forum (WLDF) for ensuring women’s capabilities are recognized in the Authority.

And speaking earlier at the same event, Chairperson of the ZRA Women Leadership Development Forum (WLDF), Brigitte Muyenga, acknowledged the successes the Authority has scored since the launch of the Forum towards gender equality.

“Due to the deliberate engagement of women through the WLDF, more women have been able to take up Senior Management positions. This is evidence that the WLDF is bearing fruits through mentorship and engagements and it is anticipated that the Authority will see more women ascend to decision making positions without challenges”, she said.

As achieving gender equality needs both men and women working together, Mrs. Muyenga specially appreciated the ZRA Board, Management and all the ZRA men; especially the Commissioner General, the Commissioners some of whom had presented topics at the women’s workshops, the Director HR and his team, the supervisors who allow women to attend WLDF activities, and the ones whose work directly impacts on our achievements.

She also acknowledged that the support and networking with local, regional and international organisations like ATAF and WCO have provide the Forum with a platform for learning and sharing of best practices in driving a sustainable gender equality agenda.

Meanwhile, Director Human Resource Moffat Nyirenda stated that the award ceremony was a build up to what the Authority has been doing to celebrate March as the Month of Women.

24 women across the Authority have been awarded with certificates of recognition and shopping vouchers.