Judith Phiri [email protected]
THE Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bu0lawayo, Judith Ncube has commended the resilience, innovation, determination and leadership of women who are actively shaping the economic landscape of the province and nation.
In a speech read on her behalf by Director of Coordination, Mrs Boetsoarelo Immaculate Noko at the Mbokodo Women in Business Awards on Saturday evening, the Minister said it was important to recognise, celebrate and elevate the contribution of women to business, entrepreneurship and economic development.
“The theme, “Empowering Business Leaders, Envisioning Excellence,” speaks directly to the kind of economy we aspire to build, an economy where women are not simply participants, but influential drivers of enterprise, innovation, investment and sustainable development.
“When we speak of Imbokodo, we speak of strength, resilience and an unwavering determination to overcome challenges. However, the significance of Imbokodo extends beyond the ability to endure difficulties. It is about the ability to transform challenges into opportunities, create solutions and build a legacy for future generations,” she said.
She said across Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, women are demonstrating these qualities in remarkable ways in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, agriculture, mining, tourism, technology, professional services and the informal trading sector.
The Minister said women continue to establish enterprises, create employment, sustain households and contribute meaningfully to our provincial economy.
She added: “The contribution of women in the economy must never be underestimated. Every woman who establishes a business, employs another person, develops a product, provides a service or expands into new markets is contributing to the economic transformation of our province.
Indeed, the development of Bulawayo cannot be discussed without recognising the important role played by women in its economic growth.”
Minister Ncube said as Government, they commitment to ensure that this contribution is recognised, supported and translated into meaningful economic opportunities.
She said under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, national development agenda remains anchored on the attainment of an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“Through Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Government is prioritising sustainable economic growth, industrialisation, investment promotion, employment creation, innovation and inclusive development. Importantly, these national aspirations cannot be achieved without the full participation and empowerment of women.”
Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Albert Mavhunga said the Government was promoting an enabling environment where businesses can grow, investment can flourish, employment opportunities can be created and communities can participate meaningfully in economic development.
“In this regard, we must deliberately position women-owned enterprises to benefit from the economic opportunities emerging within our province.
“We must strengthen linkages between small businesses and established industries, promote access to markets, encourage local production and ensure that women are not left behind in our industrialisation and economic transformation agenda,” he said.
He said the responsibility of empowering women does not rest with Government alone, as it requires a collective commitment from the corporate sector, financial institutions, established businesses, development partners and the wider community.
Organisers of the event, Youth Network Connect (YNC) Managing Director, Mr Philimon Nyirenda said women have always carried the weight of the communities.
“Many of us grew up hearing the words “Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ Imbokodo,” translated to English as when you strike a woman, you strike a rock. Imbokodo is the grinding stone, the heavy, patient rock on which families were fed and homes were built.
“Women have always carried the weight of our communities, and for generations they did it without applause, without capital, and often without a seat at the table. We are applauding and putting women in business at the centre of this event,” he said.
He said the women who were being honoured, earned their place through quality, consistency and courage, while they hold their own anywhere in the world.
