Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
The UN Women Executive Board, led by Ms Nicola Clase, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, have toured two women empowerment projects in Bulawayo and Umzingwane.
Umzingwane Safe Market in Esigodini, a facility constructed to address gender-based violence in public spaces, was toured first.
The market is part of the UN Women’s flagship programme on safe public spaces, implemented in partnership with Katswe Sisterhood and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Entreprises Development.
It features six kitchens, a locker room, a verandah, a common eating place, a play centre, and a storeroom for vendors’ products.
The board then met with Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and other council officials before touring the Bulawayo Maker Space innovation hub.
This facility aims to catalyse the development and efficiency of women-owned enterprises within the textile industry.
Ms Clase praised the initiatives, stating that they place women at the centre of economic participation in Zimbabwe.
She emphasised the importance of designing and implementing initiatives that respond to the needs of women effectively.
UN Women has been working with local NGOs and community-based organisations under the Spotlight Initiative, a partnership between the European Union and the United Nations, to end violence against women and girls and harmful practices.
The Spotlight Initiative has supported Zimbabwe with a four-year programme worth US$30 million and has benefited over 400 women, enhancing their competitiveness and production levels.
Mayor Coltart said UN Women is helping in building a better future for women and girls in the country.
He also highlighted the possibility of closer cooperation with UN agencies to boost economic development in Bulawayo.
The UN Women Executive Board is on a week-long visit in Zimbabwe to assess the impact of the organisation’s operations in addressing women’s challenges.
Peter Tanyanyiwa