Take up empowerment programmes, women told

Mash West Bureau
Zimbabwean women should actively participate in Government’s empowerment programmes to uplift their livelihoods, a senior party member has said. Addressing a belated International Women’s Day held at Chikeya in Zvimba North recently, Senator for Zvimba Cde Caroline Mugabe said women should be innovative and spearhead programmes that empowered themselves and their communities. She urged women not to be over-dependent on Government or other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“Women should be seen as proactive in all sectors of the economy as their reluctance in the past in getting into economic and political activities left them lagging behind in development,” said Cde Mugabe.

“We need to stand up and be at the forefront of coming up with empowerment programmes.” Senator Mugabe said women should adopt new agricultural technologies that helped them get maximum returns for their produce through value addition and market linkages.

“Through linkages to the international market, the country is guaranteed improved foreign currency circulation,” she said.

Zvimba Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 15 Councillor Cde Idah Kamushinda urged unity among the women in the district.

She said women should support each other in empowerment programmes by altering their mindsets while contributing meaningfully to the financial sector. Women, she said, should be involved in mining, agriculture and infrastructure development programmes.

“There is nothing that can stop us from taking leading roles in agriculture, mining and infrastructure development,” she said.

Cde Kamushinda paid tribute to Government for recognising the importance of women by coming up with a dedicated ministry for them. She said women should repay Government’s commitment to their development by shunning corruption and violence.