MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFIARS, COMMUNITY, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Sithembiso G.G. Nyoni (MP), the deputy Minister Hon Jennifer N. Mhlanga, the Permanent Secretary Mr Melusi Matshiya, Senior Management and the entire staff, join the Head of State and Government, and Commander-In-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, His Excellency, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and the whole nation in commemorating the 40th Anniversary of our independence.

This historic occasion, marking over four decades of Zimbabwe`s independence and sovereignty, is an opportunity for us to reflect on the arduous journey the nation has traversed in its determination to achieve its cherished aspirations. Comrade President, through your visionary leadership, the nation is experiencing peace, and is aspiring for opportunities for economic growth. Your Excellency, the nation has recorded strides in women economic empowerment, whilst the support to the SMEs and Cooperatives sectors continues to grow phenomenally.

We cherish your commitment to the total emancipation and empowerment of women, girls and communities at large, which has resulted in the increase in women occupying decision-making positions in Boards of Parastatals, Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly. Opportunities for girls to pursue relevant and rewarding careers also improved significantly.

We salute your vision, for a Zimbabwean society where women fully realise their potential economically, socially and politically. The liberation struggle, culminating into independence, was brought about by the need to achieve equal rights and access to equal opportunities, hence we condemn gender based violence in all its evil forms such as discrimination based on gender, early child marriage, physical and sexual abuse. We salute our patriotic citizens and the international community for their altruistic contribution to restoring livelihoods of families and communities for the 40 past years. The current unified struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic is a clear demonstration of unity of purpose by Zimbabweans under your leadership.