On a separate note, but not unrelated to the leadership debate, is empowerment, another topic that dominates current affairs. The pervasive argument is that a good leader ultimately empowers his followers, which means he replicates and multiplies himself and his message for wider impact and reach.
Good disciples are responsible for propagating the message. There are many parallels between leadership and empowerment dimensions mentioned and the goal of the Dominican Order, when they arrived in Rhodesia under the leadership of Mother Patrick. Her exploits and those of her group of five sisters demonstrates that effective leadership is visionary, pioneering and creative.
From the first encampment to the reconfiguration of Mutare Hospital to a TB hospital at the behest of government, the work of the Dominicans must surely rank among the greatest achievers of the last century. Various prominent women have led the various Dominican institutions over the years, always with a strict term, rotation and exposure to all aspects of the communities in which they served throughout the country.
Some stand out more than others, either for the length of their tenure or their particular style, including Sr Pancratius “Panny”, Sr Gundula, Sr Ann, Sr Reingard, Sr Paulette, Sr Monica, and so on. The column will afford more space to delve deeper into the lives of these great women and the impact they had or are having on Zimbabwean society. The lay teachers will also be featured in detail.
In conclusion, the women leadership styles debate is growing in prominence. Their style differs from their male counterparts and so do their results — they are deemed to be more effective. When women leadership is combined with spirituality—Christian values in this case—then the result is appreciably superior. The facts speak for themselves.
