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THE government has set aside $5 million as seed capital to establish a women’s bank, a Cabinet Minister has said. Lack of funding has delayed operationalisation of the bank, which was mooted a few years ago. The bank is envisaged to be the nerve centre for project financing for women, who have historically been disadvantaged when it came to accessing loans.
Acting Women Affairs Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said the government was aware of the need to economically empower women.
“As government, we’re fully cognisant that the economic empowerment of women is a yardstick for gender equality.
“To this end, the government has set aside $5 million as seed money for the operationalisation of the bank,” Minister Nyoni said at a recent meeting to discuss the 2015 African Union theme, “Women Empowerment and Development Towards Agenda 2063”.
“This move is complementing the existing Women’s Development Fund,” said Minister Nyoni who did not indicate when the bank would open its doors to the public.
She said her ministry was working towards creating linkages for women to access regional and international markets.
In addition to the bank, Minister Nyoni said establishment of a Gender Commission meant to address disparities in the country had reached an advanced stage. She said the commission was aimed at ending problems of gender inequalities in all sectors of the economy.
Interviews for commissioners were held in March this year and the list was being finalised.
“I’m pleased to inform you that the establishment of a Gender Commission is at an advanced stage. It’s coming into effect will ensure the enforcement of gender provisions of the Constitution,” she said.
The meeting discussed the 2015 African Union theme on Women Empowerment and Development, priority activities for women for the year and came up with activities leading to the Africa Day commemorations held every May 25. — NewZiana
Online Reporter