Inaugural women’s business fair set for month-end

Lorraine Muromo

THE inaugural Zimbabwe Women’s Business Fair, which will be held at the behest of the Zimbabwe Association for Women in Industry (ZAWII), has been scheduled for the end of the month.

The three-day fair will begin on June 25 and will be running under the theme: “Accelerating growth of women participation in the country’s economic transformation.”

It is believed that more than 350 exhibitors, 150 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved mainly in handicrafts and hand-made home products and over 3 000 local and international buyers will participate.

Chairperson of the organising committee of the business fair, Ms Tariro Marime said last week there will also be a one-day business convention.

“The fair will bring together more than 350 exhibitors, more than 150 SMEs involved mainly in handicrafts and hand-made home products and over 3 000 local and international buyers with the sole objective of promoting growth of women participation in the country’s industrial and commercial spheres through the creation of an environment in which women could develop their businesses unfettered by gender-based prejudices.

“Running alongside the exhibitions will be a one-day Women’s Winter Business Convention whose theme derives its authority from the main theme of the fair.

“It will play host to some of the country’s most successful women who are expected to share their success stories with the conventioneers and exhibitors. The convention is meant to inspire and encourage more women to participate in the country’s industry and commercial activities in order to raise the country’s economic visibility,” said Ms Marime.

Government is in the process of actively encouraging women to participate in the mainstream economy. While constituting more than 50 percent of the country’s population, women’s role in local business has mainly been marginal.

It is however hoped that the business fair will enable women to establish linkages with their peers in both Asia and Europe.

Explained Ms Marime: “The business fair is one of the enabling projects created by ZAWII for women businesses as it provides an opportunity for women to exploit the business opportunities available through showcasing their products and services.

“We are also expecting some traders from as far as India, Pakistan, Iran and Italy; so, this presents an unmatched opportunity for women to grow their business.”