Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, Sunday News Reporter
AFTER struggling to secure formal employment, 31-year-old Ms Vimbai Mucheriwa transformed her passion for crafting handbags into a promising business, an achievement made possible through targeted support for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Ms Mucheriwa’s breakthrough came when she won the top prize of US$550 during an Innovation Challenge organised by Sightsavers under its economic empowerment programme. The funding has breathed new life into her small enterprise, which specialises in producing satchels, handbags, wallets and pencil cases.
Diagnosed with Achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, Ms Mucheriwa said the financial boost would enable her to purchase a sewing machine, significantly improving the quality and volume of her products.
“The machine will help me make stronger bags and increase production. When production increases, I earn more and that money can be reinvested into the business to help it grow and expand,” she said.
Overcome with emotion after clinching the first prize, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“I’m happy and grateful to God. Winning this prize will allow me to buy a proper machine that will improve my work and change my life,” said Ms Mucheriwa.
The competition attracted 34 participants, all of whom pitched business ideas aimed at achieving financial independence. The top three contestants walked away with cash prizes of US$550, US$450 and US$400 respectively, while the remaining participants received consolation prizes of US$300 to invest in their start-ups.
Second prize winner, 45-year-old Ms Thandiwe Chakanetsa, said the US$450 she received would help expand her buying-and-selling business.
The Innovation Challenge is part of Sightsavers’ broader intervention designed to economically empower people with disabilities by equipping them with capital, skills and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods.
To strengthen the initiative, Sightsavers partnered with Embrytech Zimbabwe and ZB Bank, which provided training on business management, sustainability and profitability to participating entrepreneurs.
Sightsavers country director, Mr Peter Bare, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to complement Government efforts in empowering persons with disabilities.
“One of the key objectives of this project is job creation. A rapid labour market assessment conducted by Sightsavers revealed a general lack of awareness among employers on how to accommodate persons with disabilities, as well as misconceptions about the costs associated with employing them,” he said.
Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare acting director responsible for disability affairs, Ms Laizah Chourombo, said the Government remains committed to fostering an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can thrive.
“Our mission is to empower persons with disabilities to become self-reliant and productive members of society,” she said.
Ms Chourombo described the Innovation Challenge as a critical platform that unlocks creativity and innovation among persons with disabilities.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity, diversity and equal opportunities. By working with partners such as Sightsavers, we are creating pathways for persons with disabilities to reach their full potential,” she said.
