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Tafara Chibanda
IN the wake of a devastating fire at Mbare Retail Market, the Government is launching an initiative to empower women traders and revitalise the local economy.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, toured the market yesterday.
She was accompanied by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe.
Addressing the traders, Minister Mutsvangwa said:
“The Government is committed to rebuilding the market and enhancing support for women, who represent a substantial portion of the trading community.”
She emphasised the need for women to participate in revitalisation efforts and join initiatives focused on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
She said women needed to unite and support each other in the aftermath of the disaster.
“We want women to take charge and build their futures. You are the backbone of the economy,” she said.
“With women making up 56 percent of the SME sector, the Government recognises that empowering these traders can lead to broader community improvements, including reduced gender-based violence and better living conditions.”
Min Mutsvangwa urged the Ministry of Finance to increase funding for the Women’s Bank, saying that when women are economically empowered, they contribute positively to their families and communities.
Min Garwe assured traders that the rebuilding process would be up to modern standards.
“We are committed to ensuring that this project moves quickly, especially with the rainy season approaching,” he said.
Emily Kaitano, a trader who lost her stall in the fire, said she was excited about the Government’s commitment to help women.
“This market is home to many women traders, if we can rebuild, we can regain our livelihoods and help our families,” she said.
Another trader, Tendai Ndoro, added:
“I am thrilled that our voices are being heard. This market stood as a beacon of hope for us and its restoration will mean so much to our community.”
The traders welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a chance to not only restore their livelihoods but also to strengthen their community.
“If we have a functional market again, it means fewer people will turn to drugs and crime, we will be too busy focusing on our businesses,” said Ndoro.
Online Reporter