Staff Reporter
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to women's empowerment, channelling substantial funds and prioritising projects aimed at uplifting women across the country.
This commitment was highlighted during yesterday’s post Cabinet media report on the achievements of the 1st 100-Day Cycle, where the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, spotlighted several projects fostering investments and job opportunities for women.
Dr Muswere illuminated the significant strides being made with the construction of the Hauna Fruit and Vegetable Processing Plant in Honde Valley, Manicaland Province.
"Construction of the Hauna Fruit and Vegetable Processing Plant Phase 1 in Honde Valley, Manicaland Province, is underway. The project will benefit 600 farmers directly and sustain more than 2000 others from Mutasa and Nyanga districts. The project is funded to the tune of US$ 450 000."
The Minister said that this initiative is poised to empower women by providing them with employment, financial independence, and skills development opportunities, aligning with the goals of food security and the value addition and beneficiation programme.
Further enhancing women's empowerment, Minister Muswere said that a new market space is being set up at the Bulawayo Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) Centre, specifically for women in the clothing and textile industry.
"A marketspace for women in the clothing and textile industry is being established at the Bulawayo Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) Centre. Through the market space, women in the textile industry in Bulawayo will access and use specialised equipment in the production of high-quality products. A total of 1000 women will benefit from the project annually," Minister Muswere stated.
This initiative is designed to create a nurturing environment for women to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop their skills.
Addressing the issue of informal businesses, the Minister highlighted the Government's efforts to formalise Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and community groups, which have largely operated without official registration.
"Having realised the need to formalise some of the 3.4 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and 10 community groups, a total of 25 such enterprises have been successfully registered and registration certificates issued. The businesses are being drawn from Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Harare and Bulawayo Metropolitan Province."
Moreover, Government is taking steps to establish Savings and Credit District and Provincial Union Phases, particularly in Matabeleland North Province.
"The establishment of the Savings and Credit District and Provincial Union Phase for Matabeleland North Province is underway. Savings and credit cooperatives enhance access to credit as well as promote financial inclusivity," said Minister Muswere.
Political commentator Edith Mushore said that these Government-led initiatives signify a monumental shift towards bolstering economic empowerment and entrepreneurial opportunities for women.
“By fostering an environment where women can excel in business and entrepreneurship, the Government is not only advancing gender equality but also contributing to economic growth and societal advancement,” said Mushore.
