adminChronicle Reporter
THE British Embassy yesterday donated sewing machines, embroidery machines and ancillaries such as needles as well as cloth worth $10,000 to 120 women at the Bulawayo Home Industries (BHI) in Mzilikazi suburb. British Ambassador to Zimbabwe Deborah Bronnert handed over the equipment and materials. She said it was important to empower women as this directly benefits families.
“Supporting and empowering women particularly in the business arena should be a priority in Zimbabwe. There are many good reasons to focus on empowering women and girls,” said ambassador Bronnert.
She said women and girls were victims of violence and poverty because most of the time they had no control over economic resources.
“It is a fact that higher incomes for women lead to a better quality of life for families,” she said.
Bronnert cited a World Bank report that shows that women reinvest 90 percent of their income in their families and communities in food, school fees and other essential needs compared to only 30 to 40 percent for men.
She said evidence was clear that equality for women meant progress for all.
Bronnert said she hoped her Embassy’s donations will boost production at BHI and directly benefit at least 120 families.
Acting Mayor Councillor Gift Banda said the donation would go a long way in improving the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.
“It is pleasing to note that this donation comes at a time when we have finalised the city’s strategic plan for the next five years.
“One of the key thematic areas is the development of a thriving economy that benefits the vulnerable communities in the city,” he said.
The women at BHI do weaving using hand looms and their products are exported to countries such as South Africa, United Kingdom and Japan.
Online Reporter