‘Women vital in economic revival’
PARTICIPATION of women in various income generating projects continues to play a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s economic revival, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Mashonaland West Webster Shamu has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by Chegutu District Administrator Mr Tariro Tom during the launch of the International Women’s Day in Mashonaland West at Pfupajena Primary School recently, Minister Shamu said the nation’s economy was anchored on women’s contributions.
“Women make enormous contributions to the economy whether in business, on farms, as entrepreneurs, employees or doing unpaid work,” he said.
“It is certainly not new that the economy is poorer without the participation of the majority of its citizenry who happen to be women.”
Minister Shamu said the development of any nation was only achievable through the inclusion of women in all sectors of the economy.
“It is now common knowledge that the development process and any efforts to end poverty cannot be achieved if women are kept at the periphery of programmes and processes meant to grow the economy and turn the world into a better place for the entire human race,” he said.
He said Government had stepped up efforts to empower women by signing and ratifying a number of regional and international conventions and protocols on their empowerment.
“The agreements have uplifted women as they aim to promote and acknowledge the right of women and achieve gender equality,” he said.
Minister Shamu said the nation’s theme for the day: “Transforming women through economic empowerment” was in line with Government’s efforts to uplift women.
“This (theme) is in line with the new dispensation ushered in by President Emmerson Mnangagwa where we are now talking of politics and the economy.
“Investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Minister Shamu, however, said Zimbabwe needed to transform from mere rhetoric and wishful thinking to actual practical applications and inclusion in supporting women.