Online Reporter
Barnabas Masimba
BULAWAYO women brought fire, focus and fearless ideas as the International Women Development Trust (IWDT) rolled out free skills training in a high-energy empowerment event that turned business pitches into real opportunities.
Held under the theme “Empowering women to empower communities”, the programme rewarded three standout women with fully sponsored two-year courses of their choice, giving them a serious boost towards entrepreneurship.
The event took place at the Bulawayo Baptist Church along George Silundika Street on 7 February.
Stealing the show was Doreen Gonyora, whose Deep Cleaning business pitch wiped the floor with the competition, earning her top honours after impressing judges with a clear and practical plan.
Second place went to Sandra Amadetta Moyo, founder of Makoti’s Gifts n’ Treats, a candy making and gift wrapping business that is already making waves. Sandra launched the venture in Maphisa before relocating to Bulawayo after spotting a gap in the sweet treats market.
Third place was claimed by Beverly Chido Chidyandunge of Magwegwe, a hearing-impaired entrepreneur whose courage and honesty moved the room. Speaking through a sign language interpreter, Beverly highlighted how people living with disabilities are often exploited in business.
“Some take our products on credit and disappear,” she said, adding that IWDT training will help her manage her business better and protect herself from such losses.
Another standout moment came from Wanita Zowa, a volunteer sign language translator who walked away with a free 24-month course of her choice. Born to two hearing-impaired parents, Wanita shared her powerful journey into sign language and will now teach the skill under IWDT while introducing sign language programmes.
IWDT also announced that women living with disabilities in Bulawayo will benefit from the same free training initiative.
Founder and coordinator Eugenia Masimba said the organisation is committed to expanding skills training and transforming women into community changers.
For a majority of the 45 women in attendance, 13 living with6disabilities, the workshop was the first step towards economic freedom.
