Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
WOMEN in Zimbabwe are increasingly breaking historical barriers and assuming influential leadership and economic roles under the Second Republic’s inclusive governance agenda, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has said.
Speaking during the Manicaland provincial International Women’s Day commemorations held at Grassflats Primary School in Chipinge over the weekend, Minister Mutsvangwa said the Government led by President Mnangagwa had prioritised women empowerment through deliberate policies aimed at expanding opportunities for women and girls across all sectors of society.
The commemorations were held under the theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said the Second Republic had ushered in a new era where women are now taking up leadership positions and actively contributing towards national development.
“For many years, women faced numerous barriers that restricted their participation in governance, business and decision-making processes, but the Second Republic has deliberately worked to dismantle those obstacles.
“Today, women are increasingly occupying strategic positions in Government, the judiciary, Parliament and the corporate sector because of the confidence that President Mnangagwa has shown in the capabilities of women,” she said.
She said the appointment of women to senior offices was evidence of the Government’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive development.
Minister Mutsvangwa singled out the recent appointment of Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as one of the milestones demonstrating the country’s progress towards empowering women.
“When young girls see women rising to the highest offices in the country, they begin to understand that leadership is not defined by gender, but by ability, hard work and commitment.”
She said women entrepreneurs were increasingly benefiting from financial inclusion programmes, loans and empowerment schemes designed to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty in communities.
“Women’s empowerment is not just about representation in leadership, but also ensuring women have access to resources, markets, technology and economic opportunities.
“When women are empowered economically, entire communities benefit because women play a central role in sustaining households and uplifting families,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She also highlighted Government efforts to protect women and girls from gender-based violence through the establishment of one-stop centres across the country.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the centres were providing integrated support services for survivors, including medical assistance, psychosocial support and legal services.
“Through these one stop centres, the Government is restoring dignity to survivors of gender-based violence while strengthening social protection systems for women and girls.
“This demonstrates the Second Republic’s commitment to ensuring women fully enjoy their rights in a safe and supportive environment,” she said.
The Government was also focusing on climate resilience and technological inclusion programmes targeting women, particularly those in rural communities.
“Women must not be left behind in innovation, technology and modern economic systems. That is why the Government continues to create opportunities that allow women to participate meaningfully in all sectors,” she said.
Addressing attendees, the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the Second Republic had transformed the development landscape for women in the province.
Minister Mugadza said several projects being implemented in Manicaland were creating opportunities for women and improving livelihoods at the community level.
“These projects are empowering women economically while contributing towards broader provincial and national development goals.”
He highlighted initiatives such as the Jopa Safe Market, Hauna Processing Plant, Sinara Dairy Project and Chikanga Mushroom Project as examples of community-centred projects benefiting women and youths.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community and SME Development, Honourable Gertrude Mutandi, said women in Zimbabwe were increasingly gaining confidence to participate in leadership because of the supportive environment created under the Second Republic.
“There was a time when society believed leadership was only for men, while women were expected to remain in the background.
“Today, women are proving that they are capable leaders, decision-makers and drivers of development in their communities and across the country.”
Honourable Mutandi encouraged women and girls to continue pursuing leadership opportunities without fear.
“When women are given opportunities, they deliver results and inspire future generations to believe in themselves,” she said.
