Women, youths urged to participate in national development
THE Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development is working on improving the ease of doing business and creating an ideal environment to facilitate the participation of women in broader national development.
Speaking during a Women in Business conference held in Harare yesterday, Minister Monica Mutsvangwa reaffirmed her commitment to promoting the development of the community and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“As a woman, mother and also the Minister for Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, my passion is to see every woman and youth empowered and enabled to participate freely and effectively in the national development processes, in line with the Ministry’s mandate, the National Development Strategy, Vision 2030 and also President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind,” she said in a speech read on her behalf by the Ministry’s director for Gender Policy Planning and Programme Management Mrs Lillian Matsika.
Minister Mutsvangwa said her ultimate goal was to ensure that every woman and youth in Zimbabwe was empowered and given the opportunity to actively and meaningfully contribute to the progress of the nation.
Minister Mutsvangwa said she was impressed by the strength, determination and unwavering dedication that women had shown, even in the face of numerous obstacles.
“Today, I stand here humbled and impressed by seeing women and youths gathered for the same cause,” she said. “You have displayed resilience, dedication, unwavering commitment and persistent hard work, despite many challenges you face which are further aggravated by economic challenges, gender-based violence and climate change effects.
“This is evidenced by elegant women and youth-made artefacts and products that are exhibited here today.”
The event was organised by Vessels of Virtue, a non-governmental organisation that advocates the empowerment of marginalised women.
Vessels of Virtue founder Mrs Precious Nyarambi described young women as not mere victims of stigma, discrimination and marginalisation, but as catalysts for transformation and unwavering resilience.
“Women and youths are not just victims of stigma, discrimination, and marginalisation; they are powerful agents of change and resilience. Despite facing these challenges, they rise above with determination and create their own paths to success,” she said.
“Their self-employment endeavours and entrepreneurial spirit in agriculture and smallscale businesses are testament to their strength and the untapped potential they possess.
“Let us empower and support them, for when women and youths thrive, entire communities flourish.”