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Yeukai Tazira Herald Reporter
Women should be courageous and passionate in pursuing business opportunities as this contributes to economic growth, employment creation and poverty alleviation, TelOne managing director Mrs Chipo Mtasa has said.
She made the remarks at the International Women’s Day commemorations in Harare yesterday.
The International Women’s Day is commemmorated globally to reflect on progress made by women.
It is also used as a platform to call for change and celebrate acts of courage and determination by women and girls who have made significant contributions to the development of their countries.
Mrs Mtasa said women should not be afraid to take up all levels of leadership, especially in areas traditionally dominated by men.
“Gone are the days when women were considered third-class citizens. We are not third class and we certainly are not second class citizens but we are women who are equal to men.
“Women should not be afraid to take up important spheres in life and, therefore, I am challenging you today to take part in the political, economic as well as the social arenas,” she said.
Women were also urged to support each other.
Speaking at the same event, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Deputy Minister Jennifer Mhlanga said the Government supported initiatives aimed at promoting and sustaining women in business.
She said women had taken the country one step closer to attaining Vision 2030 through their participation in the micro, small and medium enterprises sector.
“As the nation marches towards the attainment of Vision 2030, it is initiatives like this one which will make this dream a reality.”
According to a Finscope survey of smaller businesses, women now doninate in this sector.
Deputy Minister Mhlanga said Government was creating a conducive environment for smaller businesses to flourish through opening up business opportunities, policies and mechanisms that support the sector.
However, women were urged to embrace sound business ethics and practices to access local and international markets.
Issues to do with adherence and compliance with standards and technical regulations are imperative for global competitiveness.
In order to gain access to global markets, issues such as packaging, labelling, testing and inspection, product and system certification, need to be taken into account.
Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank chief executive officer Mrs Mandas Marikanda urged young women in tertiary institutions to start small businesses and not just rely on ill-gotten financial resources.
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