Minister Mutsvangwa officiates at International Women’s Day commemorations

Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, will officiate at the International Women’s Day national commemorations today in Zimunya, Manicaland Province.

 

The theme for the event is “For all women and girls, rights, equality and empowerment.”

Speaking ahead of the event, Minister Mutsvangwa emphasised the significance of this year’s celebrations, which are coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a pivotal platform established in 1995.

She said the commemorations provide an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements.

 

“Zimbabwe has come up with the National Women in Leadership and Decision-Making Strategy (2023-2030) to increase women’s participation in decision-making positions in the public, political, and private sectors.”

Our Mutare Bureau is on the ground to provide live updates of the event. Stay tuned!

Delegates tour exhibition stands

Currently, the delegation is touring exhibition stands, showcasing various initiatives and projects that have been put in place by the Second Republic to empower women and promote gender equality.

Women empowerment in Zimbabwe

Guided by our National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), Government has established institutions like the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB) and the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Development Corporation (SMEDCO) to enhance women’s access to affordable finance.

Our National Financial Inclusion Strategy has further strengthened access to bank loans for women by creating a collateral registry, allowing movable assets to serve as collateral for securing loans.

Indeed, Zimbabwe is one of the countries on the continent that is running effective empowerment programmes for women.

Dorcas Moyo provides entertainment

Mutare-based gospel musician Dorcas Moyo has taken the stage and is mesmerizing the crowd with her powerful vocals and uplifting melodies.

Dorcas is adding a vibrant touch to the International Women’s Day commemorations at Munyarari Primary School in Zimunya.

International Women’s Day: A call to action

International Women’s Day is a special day observed globally every year.

It spotlights women’s issues.

On the day, focus is placed on the progress made on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

The day was born out of activities by labour movements in Europe and North America during the early 20th century.

The late leader of the October Revolution and the first leader and founder of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Lenin, declared March 8 as International Women’s Day.

This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme ‘For all women and girls: rights. equality. empowerment.’

The theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a future where no one is left behind.

Central to this vision is empowering the next generation, particularly young women and adolescent girls, as a catalyst for lasting change.

Esteemed line-up of delegates

The director for Economic Affairs in the Office of the Minister of Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya, who is standing in for the Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abbiotta Marongwe, is now introducing the Ministers and Members of Parliament that are at the International Women’s Day celebrations.

Zanu-PF Manicaland Provincial chairperson, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, is assisting him by introducing party officials attending the event.

Manicaland a beacon for women empowerment: Minister Mugadza

In his welcome remarks at the commemorations, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said Manicaland is a beacon for women empowerment.

“Notably, women make up a significant portion of Manicaland’s population, with approximately 1 035 000 women residing in the province,” he said.

“These women have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Manicaland has a proud history of producing exceptional women leaders, including Minister Oppah Muchinguri, the first female Minister of Defence, and Women Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.

“The province is indeed a beacon of women empowerment, with girls’ schools serving as centres of excellence and achieving historic milestones.

“Several impactful projects have been initiated in the region, including the Chikanga Mushroom project in Mutare, Jopa Market in Chimanimani, and Cynara Dairy in Mutasa, all spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the empowerment of women.”

Advocate Mugadza also highlighted some of the products that are being produced by women in the province, including the Mutape Macadamia Oil and Ndombi Glycerine in Chipinge, the Komoyo Juice in Mutare, the Yeyo Oil in Honde Valley and the Tisuanhuacho Wine in Nyanga.

Call for collaborative effort to achieve gender equality

UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, has called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to achieve gender equality.

In his solidarity message during the International Women’s Day celebrations this afternoon, Mr Kallon said addressing women’s issues require collective effort.

“International Women’s Day challenges us to uphold values of women and girls. However, UN Women’s latest report shows a regression in women’s rights in 2024,” he said.

“Everyone is therefore challenged to change this going forward. Together we must stand firm in making human rights a reality for all women and girls.

“The UN has collaborated with the Government and other partners to achieve gender equality.”

Scenes at the commemoration

 

Women challenged to take centre stage

AS the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day tomorrow, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small to Medium Entreprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has urged women in Manicaland to take charge of their lives and communities.

Addressing those in attendance at the International Women’s Day national commemorations at Munyarari Primary School in Zimunya, Mutare, Minister Mutsvangwa stressed the importance of women’s empowerment and gender equality, She highlighted the need for women to break into male-dominated industries such as mining and transport logistics.

“We should take heed of the President’s call; no one and no place should be left behind. Vision 2030 prioritizes inclusive education so that women and girls are not left behind.

“As the world strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gender equality remains a critical component of building a more just and equitable society,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.