Story by Memory Chamisa
HARARE – EMPOWERMENT of female entrepreneurs has been cited as a necessity for gender equality and a catalyst for inclusive development.
Despite playing a central role in the economic fabric, particularly in agriculture and informal commerce, many women continue to face structural barriers, especially in accessing capital, markets, and digital tools.
For Mrs Sandra Jeche, a local entrepreneur in garment manufacturing, financial inclusion goes beyond equality.
“Without access to finance, women are limited in their ability to scale their businesses. By addressing the financing gap and supporting women entrepreneurs, we are directly contributing to the continent’s prosperity,” she said.
According to the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, the financial capacitation of women-led enterprises has been gaining traction, with over 8 000 loans approved since the start of the year alone.
Dr Mandas Marikanda, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the stark disparity in conventional lending.
“Women lead 42 % of all businesses in Zimbabwe but receive 16 percent of conventional business loans hence the Women’s Bank is aiming to be the only women-led and women-focused lender operating in the country. Female business owners employ more people and they also generate thousands in sales,” she said.
Dr Marikanda emphasised that women-owned businesses not only employ more people but are increasingly influential in driving sales and local economic activity.
“One-third of women cite lack of funding as their main barrier to business start-up, compared to 20 % of men. These women represent a powerful and growing economic segment, demanding a more inclusive banking experience,” she said.
Speaking at a recent forum, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Mavis Sibanda, underlined government’s commitment to advancing women’s economic participation.
“Women’s Bank is truly taking a tremendous step forward in the fight to empower and uplift women. In order for our economy to be at its strongest, residents from all walks of life must have equal access to opportunity and capital. When banks align financing with gender equality objectives, they create more inclusive and healthy economies and better position themselves to be more resilient and to tap into new markets, customer segments, and previously unmet demand for the betterment of people of all genders,” she said.
Dr Sibanda further stated that institutions promoting a gender-responsive environment benefit from greater staff retention and long-term sustainability.
The drive for women’s economic emancipation aligns with the global observance of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, a landmark commitment adopted during the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women to promote equality and the empowerment of women worldwide.
As Zimbabwe continues its journey toward gender parity, the government remains steadfast in its support of female entrepreneurs through policies, financial support, and institutional strengthening aimed at creating a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.
