Minister Mutsvangwa Champions Women’s Economic Empowerment at National Framework Validation Workshop

By Ilyana Sithole

At the Validation Workshop for the National Broad-Based Women Economic Empowerment Framework (NBBWEEF) held at Cresta Lodge, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. M. Mutsvangwa (Sen), emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to women’s empowerment. The workshop, attended by key stakeholders from various sectors, aimed to refine and validate a framework intended to guide women’s economic empowerment in Zimbabwe from 2025 to 2030.

Dr. Mavis Sibanda, the Permanent Secretary, introduced Minister Mutsvangwa as a passionate advocate for women’s rights who ensures that men are included in the empowerment dialogue. In her opening remarks, Mutsvangwa acknowledged the diverse representation from sectors like mining, ICT, law, and banking, underscoring that the initiative is a collective effort. “This is a whole government approach,” she stated, expressing confidence that the framework would succeed due to the unified support from women across the nation.

The Minister expressed her gratitude to various partners, including the African Development Bank and the International Labour Organisation, for their support in reviewing the framework. She highlighted the framework’s goal to reduce economic inequalities and promote women’s participation in all spheres.

The NBBWEEF aims to guide women’s economic empowerment from 2025 to 2030. It aligns with national development strategies like NDS1 (2021-2025), NDS2 (2026-2030), and Vision 2030, promoting monitoring and evaluation of progress.

Sen. Mutsvangwa noted that the need for such a framework arises from the ongoing challenges women face, including cultural barriers, unpaid domestic work, and limited access to resources. “Economic empowerment is crucial,” she asserted, linking it directly to better health, education, and leadership opportunities for women.

A standout feature of the new framework is its broader scope, incorporating aspects like climate change and gender-based violence, while also emphasizing the importance of data collection and monitoring. The Minister proudly mentioned the Ministry’s achievements under the previous framework, including the establishment of the Women Micro Finance Bank and various capacity-building initiatives.

She highlighted the increase of women in mining, engineering, armed forces, leadership roles, and entrepreneurship, with 60% of Zimbabwean enterprises now women-owned. Livelihoods have been transformed, with women’s businesses growing and entering the export market.

As the workshop progressed, Hon. Mutsvangwa encouraged participants to voice their opinions and contribute to the development of the framework. “Your unique experiences and insights are vital as we shape our future initiatives,” she urged.

In conclusion, the Minister commended the University of Zimbabwe for its comprehensive study that contributed to the framework’s development, reiterating her belief that with collective effort, the empowerment of women will continue to advance in Zimbabwe.

Seeking stakeholder input for effective implementation, the Minister emphasized the importance of stakeholder voices. She called for open dialogue among attendees, encouraging them to share their experiences and feedback to refine the framework further. Open and honest feedback, both positive and constructive, was welcomed.

This revised framework is broader, encompassing all sectors and backgrounds, including vulnerable groups. It aims to make women agents of change, aligning with major development policies and Vision 2030.

The new framework is lauded for its comprehensiveness. It recognizes the social-economic link in women’s empowerment, encompasses climate change, private sector engagement, leadership roles, cultural norms, GBV, monitoring, data collection, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups. It aligns well with Vision 2030 and NDS1 & 2.

The workshop not only served as a platform for validation but also reinforced the government’s commitment to making women equal partners in the development process, aligning with national strategies and Vision 2030.