Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
A safe market which is set to benefit at least 100 women and youths has been commissioned in Masvingo province as the Second Republic steps up the inclusive development agenda.
The commissioning of Chesvingo Safe market, which includes a preschool and a one-stop centre for survivors and victims of gender-based violence, has been described as a milestone towards promoting women empowerment through job creation, access to education and reducing GBV.
Beneficiaries of the project welcomed the initiative which was established by government with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Masvingo City Council.
“We are excited today that the government and its partners have established this facility for us as women such that we have a safe space to work on and sell our products. As you can see this market is gender responsive,” said one of the beneficiaries.
Another added, “As women we feel safe that we will be able to work while our young children are learning at this pre-school. Again in the case of gender based violence, we now have a one-stop centre for victims and survivors.”
Government is working on establishing similar safe markets across the country which are expected to go a long way in empowering women and support gender mainstreaming.
“As government, we are deeply committed to creating an enabling environment for the growth and success of our country’s SMEs, especially those owned by women and youth. The Chesvingo Safe Market is a shining example of how we can support our women-owned businesses and ensure that they are operating at safe workspaces free of Gender Based Violence,” said the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said, “The Chesvingo Safe Market will prioritize the provision of safe workspace for women and youth entrepreneurs, education for children and services to survivors of GBV. This is in line with Vision 2030 of achieving an upper middle-income society by 2030.”
Earlier on, Senator Mutsvangwa addressed the media ahead of the International Day of Cooperatives to be held this Friday in Chivi.
