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George Maponga, Masvingo Bureau
Eighty women and youth small-scale traders, drawn from different parts of Masvingo City, have been allocated vending stalls at the newly-opened Chesvingo Safe Market, in an empowerment drive that will boost their disposable incomes.
The gesture is also in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind”, as Zimbabwe eyes an upper-middle income economy status by 2030.
The Chesvingo Safe Market, the first of its kind in Masvingo, was commissioned recently by Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, in the Sisk suburb of Mucheke.
It was built with funding from the African Development Bank, which partnered Government and other players.
Besides vending stalls for women and youth entrepreneurs, the safe market also has a pre-school, a gender-based violence (GBV) survivors’ centre and a police base — creating a platform for beneficiaries at the centre to have a place where their children can attend pre-school while they do business.
The GBV centre will extend support to female victims of gender-based violence.
The safe market was opened at a time Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in celebrating the International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Day in Chinhoyi today.
This year’s commemorations will be held under the theme, “Empowering SMEs for a resilient future”.
Speaking during the official opening of Chesvingo Safe Market, Minister Mutsvangwa said its opening was testament to the Second Republic’s commitment to uplifting women and youths in the country’s quest to quickly attain upper middle income economy status.
“The Safe Market comprises the market for 80 women and youth traders, a one-stop-centre for survivors of GBV, a play centre and a crèche,” she said.
“I am glad these facilities are now operational and are gender responsive. This event marks an important milestone in the Government of Zimbabwe’s efforts to empower women and youths.
“I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the African Development Bank for funding the establishment of the safe market, Masvingo City Council for donating land and partnering with the Ministry, and the ILO (International Labour Organisation) for offering technical advice to the project.”
Minister Mutsvangwa also praised the ZRP Victim Friendly Unit, Musasa Project and the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA) for partnering the Ministry in operationalising the One-Stop-Centre for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
Their support demonstrates an unwavering dedication and support towards women economic and social empowerment and a recognition of the immense potential possessed by women.
Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, Government has remained committed to creating an enabling environment for SMEs to thrive and power the nation’s irreversible march towards Vision 2030.
Added Minister Mutsvangwa: “The Chesvingo Safe Market is a shining example of how we can support our women-owned businesses and ensure that they are operating at safe workspaces, free of gender-based violence.
“Importantly, the Chesvingo Safe Market will prioritise the provision of safe workspace for women and youth entrepreneurs, education for children and services to survivors of GBV.”
More women and youths who need decent workspace would be provided, as the ministry seeks to replicate the safe market concept in other parts of the country.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, hailed President Mnangagwa for implementing programmes focused on empowering women and youths.
At a press briefing before officially opening Chesvingo Safe Market, Minister Mutsvangwa said in Zimbabwe, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) had proven to be an integral part in improving the livelihoods of communities as they create jobs, produce goods and services and enhance the standards of living for women, youths and people with disabilities.
MSMEs contribute over 60 percent to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over 70 percent to employment.
“Under the devolution thrust, MSMEs significantly contribute to provincial GDPs as they constitute the majority of businesses in most provinces,” said Minister Mutsvangwa ahead of today’s International Small and Medium Enterprise Day.
“MSMEs have demonstrated remarkable resilience with their agility, adaptability and deep connection with local communities enabling them to weather the storms.
“They are adept at innovating with limited resources and finding creative solutions to overcome difficulties.”
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