Zimbabwean Quality Assurance Specialist and Consultant, Dr Violet Makuku, has urged women to embrace the challenges of corporate environment and step up in the areas of operation to break male dominance in working environments.

While admitting that it is not an easy task, she indicated that a lot of women box themselves out of competitive opportunities at the workplace.

Sharing her experiences on TV3's ‘Today's Woman’ on July 13, 2025, she noted that there are traits of women which tends to make them coil into their shells.

"Women have the trait of portraying themselves as introverts but it is not a compliment. If you put yourself out as an extrovert that is when you make networks and learn more.

"As women we must adopt personality traits that demands that we put ourselves out there and project our values to thrive in a competitive world," she said.

She noted that at various conferences she attends, the speakers are predominantly men with a few women.

"There are times that I see a flyer for a symposium and realise that the speakers are all men. So, sometimes I introduce myself into the picture and they're always happy I participated.

"So, I have been fighting for women inclusion at such events and we must do more to challenge womenfolk to step up," Dr Makuku said.

She urged women to be tolerant to new challenges, experiences, and other cultures to acquire more knowledge.

In another breadth, the mother and academic noted that knowledge becomes productive only when expressed practically not through big grammar.

She encouraged educationists to blend theory with practical.

She added that the practical aspect has to be nurtured, monitored and evaluated; so that learners can reap the full benefits of acquired knowledge.

Dr Makuku noted that quality in all aspects of life must be viewed as a personal duty, a community' role and everybody's task to create a functioning society of high standards.

As an ambassador for quality assurance, Dr Violet Makuku has been instrumental in the harmonisation of standards and guidelines in academia with a prime focus in quality assurance on the Africa continent.

VPO/EB

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