Online Reporter
Mutare Bureau
APOSTOLIC churches have been urged to take advantage of ward-based development officers to empower women and young girls through sustainable income-generating projects.
Addressing congregants at the National Conference of the Zviratidzo Zvavapostori Church in Zimunya on Saturday, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, who was guest of honour, said churches must play an active role in community development by embracing skills training programmes offered by her ministry.
“Our development officers are based in every ward across the country. Please engage them and learn skills such as garment making, poultry production, mushroom farming, business management and record-keeping. These projects will uplift women and ensure they contribute meaningfully to the economy,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of economic independence for women, saying it reduces their vulnerability to abuse and helps raise confident and self-reliant families.
Church leaders were also urged to support Government efforts to protect the girl-child by ensuring that no minor is married off.
She urged parents to acquire birth certificates for all children and promote education for girls.
Zviratidzo Zvavapostori Church Bishop Richman Nyamombe expressed the church’s commitment to working with Government to empower women and protect children.
The conference attracted hundreds of congregants from different provinces, with empowerment, moral values and national development high on the agenda.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter