Pink Potential Programme targets women’s leadership gap in the workplace

There are expectations that more women will rise into leadership positions and perform with greater confidence and effectiveness as the Pink Potential Development Programme takes aim at closing the long-standing gap between technical expertise and leadership readiness in the workplace.

The Pink Potential Development Programme, launched on March 18, 2026 by Old Mutual Malawi, is designed to equip female employees with the confidence, leadership skills, and practical tools needed to transition into influential roles within the organisation.

Guest of honour Vera Zulu who is Old Mutual Malawi Chief Financial Officer, expressed optimism that the initiative will help close this gap by preparing women for higher responsibilities.

“As a woman leader, it is my passion to help other women rise. At Old Mutual, we are committed to advancing gender equity, and empowering women through training is a critical step toward achieving that goal,” she said.

She added that such programmes are key to equipping women with the confidence and capabilities needed to take up diverse leadership roles and contribute meaningfully at higher levels.

The Pink Potential Development Programme, facilitated by Sarah Richson of Richemele International, bring together 33 female employees from various business units for structured leadership training focused on performance, confidence building, and personal growth.

In an interview, Richson said the programme is designed as a long-term intervention that goes beyond technical skills to address real-life challenges affecting women in leadership.

“This is not a one-hit programme. It is a one-year journey aimed at developing a holistic woman leader. We are addressing the real challenges women face, from confidence gaps to burnout, and equipping them with tools to navigate both their personal and professional responsibilities effectively,” she said.

She noted that the training also tackles the challenge of balancing multiple roles, which often leads to burnout and slows career progression for many women.

One of the participants, Rita Shaba, said the programme will help her bridge the gap between technical expertise and leadership capability.