Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure and Wallace Ruzvidzo
THE Second Republic is spearheading deliberate and targeted funding mechanisms towards women’s empowerment to debunk the myth that they cannot own wealth, President Mnangagwa has said.
Lack of funds has largely constrained women’s success in business and this initiative seeks to address a major hindrance.
In his address at the launch of the US$3 million Presidential Women’s Empowerment Fund in Harare yesterday, the President, who is also the Zanu PF First Secretary, said his administration will always support women’s empowerment.
“Our empowerment will go beyond financial support and extend to equipping you with the skills and knowledge to transform your lives and communities, beginning at the household level.
“The fund we are launching today is, therefore, a holistic empowerment tool that encompasses economic independence as well as social, emotional and intellectual growth,” he said.
In addition to the US$3 million, which sees all the country’s 10 provinces getting US$300 000 each, the President handed over farming and mining equipment encompassing 20 500 hoes, 3 800 picks, 800 ploughs, 50 ridgers, 500 cultivators, 200 scotch carts, 400 wheelbarrows, 1 000 harrows, 2 500 shovels, 500 spades, 10 vehicles and a 10 000-capacity incubator.
President Mnangagwa said the Presidential Women’s Empowerment Fund was designed to be a powerful engine for economic growth, social inclusion and transformation to ensure development that leaves no one and no place behind.
Yesterday’s launch was held under the theme, “The Power of Empowered Women: Transforming Lives, Transforming Societies, Towards Vision 2030”.
“This groundbreaking initiative stands as a beacon of hope that will accelerate the realisation of high-impact programmes and projects. The myth that women are not entitled to own wealth must be debunked.
“Through deliberate and targeted funding mechanisms as the one we are launching today, socio-economic gaps and inequalities will be addressed,” said President Mnangagwa.
Women, he added, were an integral constituent of Zimbabwe’s body politic.
As such, President Mnangagwa implored women to play their role in nurturing unity, peace and development as the country journeys towards the attainment of an upper-middle-class economy by 2030.
“When women have economic power and sustainable sources of livelihoods, we are guaranteed that families are sustained, while communities are developed, step-by-step, brick-by-brick and stone-upon-stone.
“We are masters of our own destiny. We can only win the war against poverty when we work together in unity, from Zambezi to Limpopo, from Plumtree to Mutare, singing one national anthem, under one national flag. Together, let us remain focused on waging a successful war against poverty,” he said.
The President emphasised the need for women and the country at large to increase Zimbabwe’s collective productive output across all economic sectors.
SADC, COMESA and the continent at large, added President Mnangagwa, were ready for Zimbabwean products as export markets.
“I urge the beneficiaries of this and other ongoing empowerment initiatives by our ZANU PF-led Government to select viable projects that are both sustainable and profitable.
“Your projects must have clear market demand and should demonstrate potential for growth and profitability, while having broad-based impacts.
“We must, therefore, ensure that the funding provided yields tangible results, generates income and improves the lives of many in our communities.
“Semadzimai ndinovimba nemi. Ndinoziva kuti mari yamuchapihwa neyamuchashanda inenge yakachengetedzeka. I am confident that you will uphold financial discipline, transparency and accountability in the management of resources allocated for your various projects,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said hard-honest work and commitment were essential values in leveraging the funds to derive meaningful impact and sustainability.
“The bravery and determination of many departed heroines and those present today remain a source of inspiration. Let us remain committed to the founding values of our party and a shared vision for a prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Women’s League, said the Zanu PF First Secretary, was the backbone and mainstay of the ruling party.
He charged the wing to continue guaranteeing that the ruling party remains strong, popular and dominant.
“ZANU PF izhou. Tinoramba tichifamba vanohukura vachingohukura. I further urge you to continue demonstrating exemplary and principled leadership as we advance our people-centred policies. Mangwanani, masikati nemanheru, ngatirambe takamira muchokwadi, tichitsigira musangano wedu, nenyika yedu.
“As you go back to your respective provinces, districts, wards and villages, I challenge you to shun any form of divisions,” said the President.
He commended the women in the country for remaining resilient in the midst of various economic shocks such as illegal sanctions and climate change.
“Your collective efforts towards investing in children’s education and health care, as well as in projects that help to lift many of our communities out of poverty into prosperity, are applauded.
“Your business and entrepreneurial undertakings in agriculture, manufacturing, small and medium enterprises, tourism and construction, among other sectors, are creating jobs and economic opportunities in our communities.
“Additionally, through philanthropy and volunteerism, you are driving social inclusion, unity, cohesion and development. Tinokutendai. Siyalibonga. Well done,” said President Mnangagwa.
Under the Second Republic, he said, Zimbabwean women would be enabled and motivated to work towards a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.
“Most women by nature are builders and agents of transformation. This programme is for the benefit of all the women of our country and I urge the Women’s League to take an all-inclusive approach in the identification and selection of beneficiaries of the Empowerment Fund,” said the President.
He also took time to acknowledge the critical role women play in the maintenance of families and community values as well as in nurturing and shaping future generations.
“By empowering women, the party and Government, under my leadership, are investing in their personal growth and development for the well-being and prosperity of communities and the nation at large.
“Be assured that, as the ruling revolutionary mass party, we continue to empower you as the women of our country, and provide you with the critical resources, support and opportunities,” said the President.
He implored the Women’s League rank and file to expose, denounce and reject those who try to fragment it and divide the ruling party.
“I commend you all and our partners for the unity of purpose in our party work and the implementation of programmes and projects.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe, ngabanikazi balo.
“Together, let us continue to build the Zimbabwe ‘we all want’,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Zanu PF had demonstrated its orderly conduct, as empowerment funds have been initiated in the Youth, War Veterans and Women’s wings.
“Following similar events for the Youth and War Veterans’ Leagues, today we gather for the historic launch of the Presidential Women’s Empowerment Fund.
“I extend revolutionary greetings and congratulate the organisers of this event for facilitating such a large gathering of the resilient and hardworking women of our country,” he said.
The launch was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Zanu PF Politburo and Central Committee members and other senior Government officials.
