Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE United Nations has commended Zimbabwe’s efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment, while pledging continued support for the growth of small and medium enterprises, particularly those owned by women.
Speaking after paying a courtesy call on Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa on Friday, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Dr Rosemary Kalapurakal said Zimbabwe had strong foundations for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
“In Zimbabwe, I see tremendous potential you have, strong leadership, strong policy framework, incredible strong human capital, your people are really qualified and you have great mineral wealth,” said Dr Kalapurakal.
She said the United Nations recognised the progress Zimbabwe was making in advancing gender-related priorities and was ready to support Government programmes aimed at accelerating women’s empowerment.
“I really look forward to the steps you are taking on gender issues . . . please count on the United Nations to support you,” she said.
Dr Kalapurakal said the UN would also continue supporting the development of SMEs through technical assistance, capacity building and the sharing of experiences from other countries.
“The UN has a track record in providing technical support for SMEs.
“Learning from other countries, not just the West will be very important,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa welcomed the UN’s continued support, describing the organisation as a key partner in promoting gender equality, community resilience and enterprise development.
“We are truly appreciative of the continued support provided by the UN in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, community resilience, and the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” she said.
She said the MSME sector had become one of the main drivers of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation.
“The MSME sector has become a key driver of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation, contributing approximately 60 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounting for more than 70 percent of employment.
“The sector also comprises over 70 percent of enterprises operating in Zimbabwe, with women owning more than 56 percent of these enterprises.
“This demonstrates the sector’s pivotal role in promoting inclusive economic growth, creating livelihoods, and advancing women’s economic empowerment.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said Government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for women and SMEs to thrive, in line with the country’s broader development objectives.
She expressed confidence that the United Nations would continue to be a strategic partner in Zimbabwe’s efforts to build an inclusive and prosperous society.
“Zimbabwe is confident that the United Nations will continue to be a trusted strategic partner in our efforts to build an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous society where women, girls, and communities are empowered to realise their full potential, and where no one and no place is left behind,” she said.
Sen Mutsvangwa called on the UN family and other stakeholders to support celebrations marking the return of the Gender Commission.
“We request the UN Family and other stakeholders to join hands in celebrating the return of the Gender Commission,” she said.
The meeting highlighted the strong partnership between Zimbabwe and the United Nations in advancing gender equality, women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development through support for MSMEs and community-based initiatives.
