From Economic Barriers to Opportunities: Ministry of Women Affairs’ Journey to Advancing Women’s Rights in 2024

By Regina Pasipanodya

The Ministry of Women Affairs Community Small and Medium Enterprise Development has achieved significant milestones in 2024, focusing on empowering women and promoting gender equality.

In an exclusive interview with Zimba Wave News the Permanent Secretary Dr. Mavis Sibanda said the Ministry implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s access to financial resources, entrepreneurship training and access to markets for women-led businesses across the country.

“This not only boosted local economies but also helped reduce poverty levels among women. These initiatives improved employability and income-generating opportunities for women in business, contributing to greater economic development,” said Dr. Sibanda.
The impact of the initiatives not only transformed the lives of countless women but also contributed to the broader goals of sustainable development and social equity in Zimbabwe.

“The Ministry facilitated the construction of a Hauna Processing Plant to support the value addition of fruits and reduce post-harvest losses by women-led enterprises. Over 1,000 farmers who are into banana, mango, avocado, pineapple and vegetable production will benefit from this project,” she added.

The Ministry also implemented the Maker-Space Project in Bulawayo to support women textile producers with specialized equipment.

The support has improved the quality, productivity and production of textiles and clothing being manufactured by women in Bulawayo as well as the income and livelihoods of over 1,000 women.
In Masvingo, the Ministry in collaboration with the City Council constructed the Chesvingo Safe Market which houses 80 female traders.

During a media tour at Chesvingo Safe Market recently, Rebecca Magomo one of the beneficiaries commended the Ministry saying the work space has been of great help, especially for safety during bad weather.

“Most of us as vendors usually bring children to work. Therefore, the workspace provides safety and convenience even in bad weather,” said Magomo.

However, she revealed that they face stiff competition from illegal vendors who would come and put up their small tables in front of the market.

This means that customers would prefer to buy from those tables that are cheaper as compared to ours because our pricing should cater for the monthly rent as well, thus a bit higher than those offered outside the market.

The project consists of a market, preschool, play centre and Stop Centre for survivors of GBV.

The Ministry also conducted the Reusable Sanitary Ware Production Training Workshop across the country to reduce period poverty. This training also consisted of menstrual health management.