Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
GOVERNMENT, in partnership with the United Nations Women, has strengthened the formalisation of the informal sector, particularly supporting women entrepreneurs in Bulawayo’s textile industry.
Over 120 women operate from the Bulawayo Maker Space, utilising more than 60 cubicles equipped with innovative machinery that has significantly enhanced product quality and reduced reliance on outsourcing.
“These machines which were donated to us have helped a lot of women in the textile industry. These machines are for every woman here in Bulawayo and they help us produce quality products,” one of the entrepreneurs
“The Maker Space has helped us as women get cheaper services, this space has all the machinery we need, there is no need to outsource services,” another added.
During a tour of the facility, United Nations Women Eastern and Southern Africa Deputy General Director, Mr Adama Moussa, alongside Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Kevin Mutimbanyoka, and Bulawayo Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Paul Nyoni, highlighted the facility’s role in fostering women-led enterprises.
“It is a very good experience for me to come here and see what women in this centre are doing. What we are saying in terms of women economic empowerment is that if you invest in women capacities, they will be able to sustain economic household, community household and contribute to the national economy. Investing in women is not an expense, but it is a huge investment,” Mr Moussa said.
“We are grateful as government to be hosting this high delegation from the UN. Our main aim was for us to see first-hand the work being done. We are grateful that our women are doing well. We are thankful to our development partners for supporting women through ensuring they are active players in economic development,” Honourable Mutimbanyoka noted.
The Maker Space has not only enhanced the quality of products that women produce here, but it has also enhanced their access to the market.
