Story by Gay Matambo
GOVERNMENT says it will continue to strengthen programmes that promote women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, and technological inclusion.
This came out during the Manicaland International Women’s Day Commemorations held at Mandere Business Centre in Chipinge district this Saturday.
The event served as a platform for community members, local leaders, and gender activists to celebrate women’s achievements while deliberating on remaining developmental gaps.
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, emphasised that true national development cannot be achieved without the active economic participation of women.
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm that the empowerment of all women is the very foundation of a just, equitable, and thriving world. Women in every sphere, from science to art, from governance to grassroots movements, must be recognised not as passive beneficiaries, but as essential leaders of our shared future. We are the agents of change in technology, innovation, social justice, economic transformation, and the stewardship of our planet.”
It also emerged during the event that the government is actively implementing multi-sectoral interventions to address deeply entrenched social and economic challenges that continue to undermine women’s dignity and fundamental human rights.
“True progress requires not only creating space for women’s voices, but also actively supporting their vision and authority to redesign systems and steer our collective future,” Chairperson of Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Getrude Mutandi noted.
“Government remains resolute in its mission to upscale financial and technical support structures for women, particularly those driving small and medium enterprises and community-led initiatives,” Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza added.
Women’s groups present at the event also commended the government’s visible efforts in decentralising empowerment resources.
“Rural women in districts like Chipinge have been the backbone of agriculture and community sustenance, yet we lacked the collateral and financial literacy to grow our businesses. Seeing government intentionally bring these financial programmes to grassroots business hubs like Mandere gives us the confidence that no female entrepreneur will be left behind,” Manicaland Apex Board Member, Ms Rumbidzai Masara stated.
“We cannot separate economic empowerment from the fight against gender-based violence. When we give a woman financial autonomy through frameworks like the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, we are giving her the power, the independence, and the dignity to reject abuse and claim her rightful space in society,” Zimbabwe Gender Commission representative, Ms Taita Muzanenhamo weighed in.
The event ended on a high note, with local women showcasing various projects, signalling a hopeful future as government intensifies its rollout of financial resources and legal protections to safeguard women’s rights and economic dignity.
