Women want bank decentralised

WOMEN in Gweru have called for the decentralisation of the Women’s bank to allow for equal access to loans by women in all the country’s 10 provinces.

Speaking on the sidelines of a leadership seminar organised by the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) recently, young women drawn from various political parties and economic sectors called on Government to capacitate the Women’s Bank so that more women can access loans and realise true economic empowerment.

Ward 13 councillor for Gweru urban constituency who is also the only female councillor in the Gweru city council, Councillor Cathrine Mhondiwa said over 3 000 women in Gweru have applied for loans at the Women’s Bank, which shows that women were keen to participate in empowerment activities.

“We call upon Government to decentralise and capacitate the Women’s Bank so that even those in rural and peripheral areas can access loans. The participation of women in leadership is highly influenced by the level of economic independence that one enjoys. So far over 37 000 women across the country have applied for loans.”

She said a research conducted by the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development had shown that female leaders are more efficient and dedicated in their roles and responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Gweru Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe said council had constructed more vending stalls in the central business district so that the people vending in the streets could be accommodated in proper vending sites.

“Gweru City Council recognises the challenges that the majority of women face. Realising that you are the burden bearers in society, we have unveiled over 200 vending stalls in the central business district where you can operate from. “