Online Reporter
Tanaka Nkala, [email protected]
BULAWAYO joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day with Government officials, local authorities, entrepreneurs and community leaders celebrating the achievements of women while calling for stronger action to advance gender equality.
The commemorations were held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre on Friday under the global theme: “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls” and highlighted the crucial role women play in driving economic development, strengthening communities and shaping the nation’s future.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Cde Raji Modi, who is also Bulawayo South legislator, emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions of women across all sectors of society.
Addressing the crowd, he praised the dedication and resilience of women in Zimbabwe and around the world.
“Women are architects of our world. They are innovators in laboratories, strategists in boardrooms, caregivers in homes and visionaries in our communities,” said Cde Modi.
“Their contributions are immense and undeniable.”
He said Zimbabwe’s participation in the global commemoration demonstrates the country’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in line with national development goals championed by President Mnangagwa.
Among the Government’s priorities is strengthening women’s economic empowerment through improved access to land, finance, technology, markets and leadership opportunities.
According to the Deputy Minister, these initiatives are essential to unlocking the full potential of women as drivers of national development.
He also noted that digital innovation is becoming an important tool in expanding opportunities for women by connecting them to information, financial services and broader markets.
“Empowering women is the foundation of a just, equitable and thriving society,” said Cde Modi.
“When women’s rights are protected, and opportunities are expanded, families prosper and nations advance.”
Speaking during the same event, Bulawayo City Council principal gender, safety and health officer, Ms Audrey Manyemwe, said local authorities play a crucial role in ensuring that women and girls enjoy equal access to services and opportunities.
“Women are a vital part of our communities. They drive our local economy, lead families and contribute significantly to the development of our city,” she said.
Ms Manyemwe also revealed that women are increasingly participating in decision-making processes within the city council, reflecting progress in gender-inclusive governance.
BCC has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the safety and well-being of women.
These include enhancing street lighting to improve security, employing social workers to support vulnerable groups and expanding access to healthcare services through the city’s network of clinics and hospitals.
A representative from the Women in Business body commended the Government for its continued support through training programmes and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening women-led enterprises.
The organisation highlighted several initiatives it has implemented to empower women entrepreneurs, including business training workshops, financial literacy programmes, leadership development, and networking platforms that allow women to collaborate and expand their enterprises.
These programmes, often conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, have helped many women gain the confidence and skills needed to formalise and grow their businesses.
The event also celebrated outstanding women who received recognition awards from the ministry for their resilience, innovation and contributions to economic and community development.
As Bulawayo commemorated International Women’s Day, Solidarity speeches emphasised that achieving gender equality requires collective action from Government, businesses, civil society and communities.
