Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Women Agribusiness Network (ZWAN) was officially launched yesterday in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province, marking a significant step forward for women entrepreneurs in agriculture.
The event drew a diverse audience, including local women entrepreneurs, ZWAN members from other Provinces, Government officials, and key stakeholders, all coming together to spotlight the critical role women play in the agricultural sector and the broader agribusiness landscape.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Province, Dr Apollonia Munzverengwi, highlighted Government’s commitment to empowering women in various sectors, particularly agriculture.
“Women are the backbone of our economy, and their participation in agribusiness is crucial for achieving food security and sustainable development. We are committed to creating policies that support women in agriculture, ensuring they have access to land, finance, and other critical resources. It is our collective responsibility to remove the barriers that have traditionally held back women in this industry,” Dr Munzverengwi said.
The Executive Director of ZWAN, Mrs Jaya, expressed deep appreciation to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Davis Marapira, for his ministry's unwavering support of women’s programs, underscoring the importance of Government backing in fostering gender equality in the agricultural sector.
“Today marks a significant milestone for women in agriculture; with the support of our esteemed ministers, we are one step closer to creating a conducive environment for women to thrive in agribusiness. Together, we can break barriers and pave the way for future generations.
“Our vision is to see women taking leading roles, not just as farmers, but as key decision-makers and innovators in agribusiness. The journey ahead is challenging, but with unity and determination, we will achieve great things,” Jaya remarked.
Deputy Minister Marapira emphasised his ministry’s dedication to providing resources and training programs tailored to the needs of women farmers.
“We must ensure that women have access to the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in this vital industry. Our ministry is ready to offer capacity-building programs, access to new technologies, and extension services that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of women farmers. This is not just about agriculture; it is about economic empowerment and societal transformation,” Deputy Minister Marapira affirmed.
Meanwhile, the launch not only celebrated the establishment of ZWAN but also served as a rallying point for women across the Province to unite and collaborate.
ZWAN aims to create a platform for sharing resources, knowledge, and opportunities, ultimately uplifting women and their families in the agribusiness sector.
