Air Force of Zimbabwe VIP Spouses and Female Officers Enhance their Diplomatic and Social Skills.
The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy (ZID) conducted a One-day workshop on Executive Protocol, Business Etiquettes, Grooming and Professional Branding and Representation at the Manyame Airbase on the outskirts of Harare.

The workshop equipped the VIP Spouses and Female Officers with the practical knowledge and techniques to navigate formal environments when attending high-level events or representing the Air Force in various social settings. The rationale of the Training was also to ensure they understand diplomatic protocols for engagement with VIPs, dignitaries, military officials, and high-ranking personalities with confidence and grace. The training was also meant to empower the spouses and female officers to apply etiquettes acceptable and expected behaviours in both the formal and informal settings, to anchor respect, professionalism, and goodwill in order to align with the values and image of the Air Force.

The training was to enable spouses and female officers to recognize the significance of their role as indirect representatives of the Air Force and their mandate to enhance its reputation both within the military community and to the general public. The Programme covered Diplomatic, Corporate and Social Protocol, Business and Social Etiquette, Grooming, Deportment and Dressing, Event Management, Effective Leadership Skills and Personal and Professional Branding and Representation.

The current coaching for VIP Spouses and Female Officers in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, is the ZID deliberate programme to empower women in the military, to enhance their overall effectiveness and positively contribute to the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s diplomatic and social engagements in an atmosphere of professionalism, respect and global diplomacy. The Workshop was facilitated by Mr. V. A. Chikanda, a former Zimbabwe Foreign Service Officer. He is now the Diplomacy, Protocol and Professional Grooming Academic at the ZID.