Rudo Saungweme                                      

In a bid to empower women and girls in the arts fraternity, Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation has today launched the National Festival for Women and Girls at Chinzanga Primary School, in Mutoko.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Yeukai Simbanegavi said sports, arts and recreation are essential tools in empowering communities and are always vital in amplifying women’s voices.

“Ladies and gentleman, as we celebrate women and girls in sport today it is also essential to always realise that sport, arts and recreation are vital tools for empowerment in our communities. Sport, arts and recreation have always been vital in amplifying women’s voices in the face of traditional chauvinistic societies,” she said.

Minister Simbanegavi also said the key objectives of the festival were to deliver key messages on gender stereotyping, building girls and women’s self-esteem.

“Key objectives of this festival are to deliver key messages bordered on gender stereotyping, building girls and women’s self-esteem and contributing to the development of leadership skills as well as nurturing strategic thinking amongst women and girls.”

“The event which is being held under the theme Balance for Better, Building Confidence in women and girls through sports, arts and recreation is a fundamental building block in the establishment of women and girls. There is need to prioritize the positioning of women in management and leadership programmes,” she said.

Minister Simbanegavi said globally the discrimination of women and girls is a cause of concern particularly within the sport and recreation sector.

“Globally, the discrimination of women and girls has been a cause for concern particularly within the sport and recreation sector. It has been observed that women still face hurdles and inequalities in professional sports and arts in as far as media coverage and sponsorships are concerned.

“In this regard, it is our view as a Ministry that the positioning of women needs be prioritised and the management and leadership of women programmes and organisations be females,” she said.

Honourable Simbanegavi has emphasised that her Ministry will continue to champion women in sport, arts and recreation as envisaged in the Ministry’s policy documents and it will continue to pursue equity and inclusion in sport, arts and recreation through impartial participation.