Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
EFFORTS to create an enabling environment that expands opportunities for women and girls took centre stage during International Women’s Day commemorations held in Harare this Friday.
The event brought together women leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and civil society representatives for a conference and exhibition focused on strengthening women’s participation in economic and social development.
Globally, women continue to face challenges shaped by socio-economic, political and cultural factors that often place their wellbeing and opportunities at risk. However, evidence increasingly shows that investing in women and girls generates long-term benefits for communities and national economies.
Addressing delegates at the conference, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa, highlighted the importance of collaboration, mentorship and advocacy in advancing women’s empowerment.
“Through ongoing mentorship, experienced women must intentionally guide emerging leaders. Mentorship should become a culture embedded in professional associations, business networks, and community structures. Sharing visibility must also extend beyond today. Women must amplify one another’s achievements in media, in policy dialogues, and within corporate systems. What is recognised becomes replicable.
“Sharing our voices means sustained advocacy speaking on policy reforms, economic inclusion, gender-based violence, and social justice. Our voices must influence legislation, budgeting, and national priorities. Giving our time means long-term engagement in programmes that uplift others. Real transformation demands continuity and consistency. Offering support must become a structural building ecosystem where women collaborate, protect one another, and collectively solve challenges,” she said.
Participants said the gathering provided a platform to exchange ideas and experiences aimed at strengthening women’s economic participation and leadership.
Chairperson of the Zwani Capital Foundation, Mrs Ledwin Magara, said such engagements play a vital role in motivating women to pursue opportunities and challenge inequality.
“This is mostly to empower women and to motivate women, to be free, to be who they want to be, and also to fight against any form of inequality against women,” she said.
Zimbabwe has recorded progress in expanding programmes aimed at empowering women and girls, particularly in entrepreneurship, leadership and community development, as part of broader national development efforts.
