Craftswomen explore EU markets

Trust Freddy

Herald Correspondent

DRIVEN by a quest to expand their businesses, women last Thursday thronged Gutu Secondary School in Murehwa District for a belated International Women’s Day commemoration.

The European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development as well as other development partners and key stakeholders, took the celebrations to Murehwa community in order to raise gender equality awareness and preach the women’s empowerment gospel to the most marginalised women, girls, men and boys.

European Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchman was among notable guests who attended this year’s celebrations.

The event provided a platform for direct engagement and exchange between the stakeholders and the community to market their produce and crafts. As early as 10am, young women and girls had started trickling in and others could be seen walking hand in hand with their supportive husbands on a “date day”.

It was a hive of activity as the majority of women who are into business of value addition, craft work, baking and sewing recorded brisk business.

“I have just sold five curtains at $8 each and I am expecting to go home by the end of the day with at least US$100,” said Ms Deria Hundi, one of the exhibitors.

Another exhibitor, Ms Tsitsi Mupingidza had sold wares worth US$50 before midday.

“It’s unbelievable! Many people are coming to buy our products, I have sold goods worth US$50 so far,” Ms Mupingidza said.

“I am totally shocked because we have struggled to market our products as women, but today’s event has given us a great opportunity.”

Ms Judith Garakara expressed gratitude to both the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and EU for affording them a platform to showcase their talent.

“We are very grateful to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the recognition that has been given to Murehwa for hosting the international women’s day; it’s a very great opportunity.

“I am into value addition where I produce biltong and I process a lot of dried food, such as peaches, apples and bananas,” she said.

Murehwa-based dance group, Jerusarema Troupe, clad in animal skin aprons (nhembe or ibhetshu), took to the stage and mesmerised the crowd with their dancing antics.

The dance group charmed the European delegation and Ambassador von Kirchman had no option, but to take to the dance floor.

Singer Ammara Brown belted out her song, “Mukoko,” a timeless tune which left the crowd craving for more.

The young energetic musician, daughter to the late legendary musician Andy Brown, performed all her hit songs whilst mingling and mixing with the Murehwa community.

After hours of pure entertainment, Mrs Lilian Takaendisa the chief director, gender policy planning and programme in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Minister Sithembiso Nyoni.

“Every woman must have access to technology as it plays an increasingly important role in society; be it in education, health, information, climate change, business and social interaction among other areas.

“We want to see more women moving into medium and macro enterprises and taking up positions in decision-making. We need to be role models for our girls so that they do not fear to take up those positions even at a tender age,” Minister Nyoni said.

She commended the EU and its member states for their support towards the fight in ending gender-based violence through the spotlight initiative which enabled the Government to develop a number of policies and strategies to end violence against women and girls.

Ambassador von Kirchman said there was no better way of celebrating Women’s Day than showing everybody what they could do.

“You have shown us your brilliance and talent and this is just, but a glimpse of what women can do if resources and opportunities are made available. All the stands that we visited were impressive. There is beautiful craft work, organic foods, agricultural produce, detergents and so much more.

“As we were talking to you during the tour of stands we saw strong economically empowered women, who are capable of doing even more,” he said.

The implementing partners being funded by the EU, Team Europe and other development partners, exhibited their works.

Adult rape clinic, Shamwari yemwanasikana, Musasa Project, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the Ministry of Health and Child Care were also among the exhibitors.

This year’s celebrations are running under the theme: “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” in recognition of the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.

The International Women’s Day is a special day set aside in March exclusively to celebrate women’s achievements and take stock of progress made towards achieving equality for women.