Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
OVER 200 women gathered at the Open Market Exhibition Day at the City Hall car park in Bulawayo on Friday. The event featured the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, along with her deputy Jennifer Mhlanga.
Hosted by the Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Zimbabwe chapter, in collaboration with EcoBank’s Elevate program and the Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the event provided a platform for women in business to network and share their experiences and ideas.
The day commenced with networking sessions among businesswomen and experts, where they shared valuable skills and strategies for tackling business challenges. Later, attendees enjoyed various speeches and explored exhibition stalls.
Dorcas Nyingadzimu, a businesswoman specialising in cosmetology, expressed her satisfaction with the event. She highlighted that such market days provide a crucial space for interacting with potential customers and investors.
“I am from Harare and I did not think this event would be this big. However, I am glad I came because I managed to network with other women in business and hear how they are handling their businesses,” said Nyingadzimu.
Roseline Moyo, a participant at the market day, commended the women of Bulawayo. Their impressive turnout signifies their determination to claim their place in the business world and assert themselves.
“Growing up businesses were known to be male a field. It was a norm that us women would sit back and watch while men led businesses in different sectors. I am happy to see this is changing and this is all because the ministry responsible for these things is rallying behind us as women and ensuring that we do not stay behind,” said Moyo.
Buhlebenkosi Nyathi, the president of Owit, is a successful businesswoman with experience in food processing. Her journey from being an amacimbi harvester to owning a company that supplies seven regions in Africa underscores the importance of market days. She said that such events empower other women to achieve similar results.
“My heart is overwhelmed by the number of women that I am seeing here today. It’s a validation to everyone that women can and are able to do anything when given the opportunity,” said Nyathi.
Minister Mutsvangwa commended Owit and EcoBank for organising an empowering event for women and their businesses. She highlighted the significance of promoting women’s access to training in technical and business skills. Additionally, she encouraged women entrepreneurs to focus on creating high-quality products, enabling them to expand into new markets and foster business growth.
“As a woman and a minister my passion is to see women gainfully empowered and enabled to participate freely and effectively in the development process, in line with the ministry’s mandate, NDS1 and Vision 2030,” said the minister.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the Government is committed to nurturing grassroots entrepreneurs as its goal is to ensure that no one is left behind. She also commended the private sector for collaborating with her ministry to promote and empower all businesses.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter