Story by Tichaona Kurewa
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening family welfare and improving the wellbeing of children through inclusive socio-economic empowerment programmes aimed at building resilient communities across the country.
The commitment was reiterated this Friday during the 2026 National Launch of the International Day of Families held in Lupane District, Matabeleland North Province.
The International Day of Families was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993 and has been commemorated annually on May 15 since 1994 to highlight issues affecting families and their role in national development.
Addressing delegates at the commemorations, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, said Government continues to intensify poverty eradication and community empowerment programmes in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy Two.
“Government continues to implement policies and programmes aimed at poverty eradication, social protection, women and youth empowerment, and community development in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy Two. Through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, communities, MSMEs and Cooperatives across the country continue to benefit from empowerment programmes designed to strengthen household incomes and improve family livelihoods.
“These initiatives are contributing towards reducing family inequalities and improving the welfare of children by enhancing household income and economic resilience. These programmes include Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALs), entrepreneurship and business management training, livelihood skills development training, and financial inclusion efforts,” Senator Mutsvangwa said.
Matabeleland North Province hosted this year’s national event, with traditional leaders calling for intensified efforts to keep children, particularly the girl child, in school.
“Your presence is a clear demonstration of our shared commitment to strengthening family systems, promoting social cohesion and advancing inclusive national development in line with Vision 2030 under the leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa,” Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo said.
“Children remain our hope for tomorrow, therefore we call upon all concerned to ensure that children complete their education and refrain from social vices such as being protected from early marriages and unwanted pregnancies,” Chief Mabhikwa, Ms Zanele Khumalo said.
Meanwhile, the Matabeleland North Provincial Business Expo was held on the sidelines of the 2026 National Commemoration of the International Day of Families at Lupane Centre.
The expo sought to showcase the critical role played by small businesses and entrepreneurs in supporting families and driving economic growth.
