Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
HARARE Ward 18 Councillor Rufaro Matsika has reaffirmed her commitment to national development and inclusive economic growth, throwing her full support behind Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 while urging young women to remain active participants in Zimbabwe’s transformation agenda.
Clr Matsika, who also serves as Harare chairperson of Young Women for Economic Development (YW4ED), said the proposed constitutional reforms come at a time when more women and youths are increasingly being empowered to participate in the country’s economic and governance structures.
She said the involvement of young women in policy dialogue and development initiatives has already begun to yield positive results across communities.
“As young women, we have witnessed progressive economic development and greater inclusion in national programmes. Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is part of strengthening institutions that support growth and participation,” she said.
“As the chairperson for YW4ED Harare chapter, I can confidently say that we rally behind Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.”
Ward 18 Councillor and Harare chairperson for Young Women for Economic Development, Rufaro Matsika expressed firm confidence in the leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, noting that Zimbabwe has witnessed remarkable economic transformation, political stability and social cohesion under his stewardship, characterised by infrastructure development, renewed global re-engagement, and inclusive empowerment initiatives, she emphasised that this progress reflects a clear and deliberate path towards the attainment of Vision 2030, and as such, she fully supports Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 as a necessary instrument to safeguard continuity, consolidate gains, and sustain the nation’s trajectory of growth, unity and long-term development.
She added that organisations such as YW4ED have been instrumental in creating platforms for young women to engage in entrepreneurship, networking and economic empowerment initiatives across the country.
The movement has grown into a nationwide network encouraging female youths to contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
A rising leader in Harare’s local governance
Since entering municipal leadership, Cllr Matsika has emerged as one of Harare’s proactive councillors, championing governance reforms, transparency and community-driven development in Ward 18.
She has also played a key role in strengthening council oversight and improving the business environment within the city.
Her leadership has been associated with efforts to address inefficiencies in council partnerships and improve accountability in municipal operations, initiatives that have helped reposition Harare’s local governance structures towards greater efficiency.
“Our focus in council is to build systems that work for residents, businesses and young entrepreneurs alike,” said Cllr Matsika..
“When governance improves, opportunities expand for everyone, especially women and youth.”
Under her stewardship, Ward 18 has also seen significant community development initiatives, including partnerships with residents and stakeholders to improve infrastructure and social services such as health facilities, transport infrastructure and environmental programmes.
Observers note that these initiatives align with the broader national vision of inclusive growth and sustainable urban development.
As the Harare chairperson of YW4ED, Cllr Matsika has consistently emphasised the importance of equipping young women with entrepreneurial skills and opportunities to participate in Zimbabwe’s evolving economy.
She said constitutional reforms should be viewed not only from a governance perspective but also through the lens of empowerment and national development.
“We are mobilising young women to become active players in economic development. When policy reforms create stability and opportunity, our young people can innovate, invest and build sustainable livelihoods.”
She said young women across Harare remained firmly behind the country’s development trajectory.
Online Reporter