EU lines up women empowerment projects

THE European Union (EU) has lined up over 80 women empowerment projects across the country in its wider fight against genderbased violence.

Speaking during belated Women’s Day commemorations held in Epworth on Wednesday, EU ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann (pictured) said the EU would provide start-ups for the beneficiaries.

The event was held at the Epworth safe market which was established through funding from the EU and implemented by the United Nations Women under the Spotlight Initiative to end violence against girls and women.

“The projects range from helping women to start businesses that involve financing of course but also involves imparting knowledge on how to run the business accountability, how to set up a business, how to start up a business, how to sell, how to buy and many others,” Kirchmann said.

“We continue with the fight against gender-based violence very closely together with the government of Zimbabwe but we also support the idea of bringing in women in the decision-making process.”

Women Affairs minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the government was committed to ending poverty among women.

“Budgeting and investing in women yields remarkable benefits to families and communities,” Mutsvangwa said.

“Women’s economic participation and their ownership and control of productive assets speed up development and help to overcome poverty, reduce inequalities, maternal and infant mortality and improve children’s nutrition, health and school attendance.

“This is in line with our National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030.”

The EU has established safe markets in Harare, Epworth and Umzingwane in Bulawayo to enhance violence-free public spaces for women to conduct economic activities.

Under the Spotlight Initiative, the EU has provided a platform for direct engagement between stakeholders and the community, including men and boys, underlining the significance of empowering women.