Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women-led empowerment initiatives in faith-based organisations.
Addressing congregants during St Paul’s Anglican Church, Highfield Parish, 75th anniversary celebrations, this Saturday, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, underscored the importance of economic independence for women, highlighting that the government stands ready to support the church towards improving the status of women in society.
“The government loves and continues prioritising its people. When you empower a woman, you have empowered the whole nation. I urge all women here to identify projects and formulate groups so that you have access to government funding. I also encourage you to utilise the Women’s Microfinance, which offers financial support to women,” she said.
The women are upbeat about their empowerment prospects.
“As the women congregants, we have poultry as well as savings and lending projects that need to be supported. If we get a financial boost, we are hopeful of a huge transformation in our projects and lives altogether,” St Paul’s Anglican Church, Highfield Parish, Church warden, Mrs Noreen Ruziwa noted.
Vicar General of the Anglican Diocese of Harare, Father Wilfred Kanyemba pledged continued collaboration with the government in creating a better society.
“We have always worked with the government to develop communities and improve livelihoods. It is crucial to support government efforts because the overall objective is to build our nation, and the government cannot do it alone,” Father Kanyemba said.
The government continues to formulate and implement policies and programs aimed at promoting gender equity and women’s economic empowerment.
