Gvt on industrial growth drive

Tanaka Mahanya

THE GOVERNMENT has embarked on a drive to create a conducive environment for industrial growth.

This was said by Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister, Sithembiso Nyoni, yesterday while addressing Care International Zimbabwe’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

“Today, African countries share the common goal to bring development and address issues of poverty, climate change and gender inequalities, among other challenges.

“These challenges are addressed better when we work together and learn from each other,” she said.

Minister Nyoni called on members of the public to have a family approach to development, in order to avoid creating future gender imbalances, against men.

“As a Government, we support communities to initiate and start development programmes together,” she said.

She said various funding mechanisms have been put in place for women’s needs, through the Zimbabwe Community Development Fund, Women’s Fund and for bigger loan facilities through SMEDCO and women’s empowerment clubs.

The Minister said there is also a need for women’s empowerment in rural communities to produce sustainable solutions through development programmes.

“We should put women and girls at the centre because we know that we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities.

“The world has grown wealthier with modern technologies and innovations that help in the drive to address people’s needs.”