Story by Tafara Chikumira, Midlands Bureau
THE Young Women in Business Global Forum has launched its second phase of capacitating vulnerable women with information communication technology skills in Redcliff, in line with government’s inclusive development agenda.
The second phase of the programme which attracted hundreds of women in Redcliff has seen women who got the initial ICT skills going a step further by being imparted with advanced skills in the ICT sector.
The major thrust is to ensure women get the requisite skills to tackle challenges in the global world.
“We have seen that young women need to play their role in the country’s development agenda through robust ICT programmes. We are in support with our President to change the fortunes of those who are in need,” said Young Women in Business President Ms Aphhia Musavengana.
“This is our way of saying we are supporting a vision to help Zimbabwe achieve its vision. We are happy with the numbers of people who continue to show interest in being empowered through such initiatives,” she added.
Beneficiaries say the training programmes are proving to be life-changing as they can now solve any challenges encountered in their business operations.
“We have been losing money through trying to deal with viruses and other threats on our machines. We are now in full business through some online connections. This used to be a very difficult terrain for some of us. We are happy that this group has taken this initiative to empower us,” said a beneficiary.
Another beneficiary noted, “This has been eye opening. We have been imparted with skills on how to deal with cyber bullying. It has always been an issue that we have been dealing with for some time. Now we know the corrective measures to take.
“I never thought of a day that I would be able to use ICTs to expand my business. Now I can press some orders via online. I can deal with people from faraway places using ICT tools. It’s quite incredible indeed,” added another beneficiary.
The initial phase of the Young Women in Business Global Forum was marked by a mega graduation ceremony in Bulawayo officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, where thousands of young women from vulnerable communities were capacitated with skills to be part of the information society.
