Staff Reporter
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment by addressing structural barriers that limit their access to markets, technology, and entrepreneurial skills, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, has said.
Speaking during a press briefing in Harare, ahead of the 2025 SADC Ministers of Gender and Women Affairs meeting set for 27 June, Senator Mutsvangwa informed that efforts to strengthen women’s participation in economic activities remain central to Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“Women, particularly those leading micro, small and medium enterprises, are the engine of our economies, yet they remain excluded from the means of production and decision-making,” she said.
The upcoming regional meeting will focus on promoting innovation, unlocking new opportunities for inclusive economic growth, and enhancing women’s economic agency. Delegates are also expected to assess progress on the implementation of both national and regional gender equality frameworks.
Senator Mutsvangwa said the summit will serve as a platform to craft practical strategies for eliminating obstacles that prevent women, especially in rural and informal sectors, from fully participating in the mainstream economy.
“Innovation and access to technology must be extended to women at all levels if we are to realise meaningful economic transformation across the region,” she added.
Besides economic empowerment, the summit will also deliberate on ways to strengthen women’s involvement in peace building and conflict resolution processes in line with regional and continental frameworks.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the summit comes at a time when the country is rolling out various policies under its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritises gender mainstreaming and the creation of equal opportunities for women and girls.
The 2025 SADC Ministers of Gender and Women Affairs meeting is expected to draw ministers and senior officials from across the region to review progress towards the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development targets, which include promoting women’s rights in political, economic, and social spheres.
