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Speakers at a Women in Business forum in Bulawayo at the weekend said it was unfortunate that most women were happy running small businesses instead of venturing into manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
The forum, which ran under the theme Enhancing Entrepreneurial Capacity of Women in Africa, was aimed at exploring business opportunities and sharing ideas among women.
Apostle Sarah Nyathi of Harvest House International said women trivialised themselves by taking up small-scale businesses.
“You often hear women complaining that they do not get the same business opportunities as their male counterparts yet they trivialise themselves by taking up small-scale businesses like flea markets, restaurants and boutiques.
“There is nothing wrong with these businesses but we are saying let us aim higher and take up the factories that are lying idle,” said Apostle Nyathi.
She challenged women to take up mines and land availed by the Government as well as resuscitate and revamp the manufacturing industry.
“I feel touched that when the rest of the world is reeling under economic crises, Zimbabwe is filled with so much potential,” she said.
Another businesswoman, Mrs Margaret Mwamuka of Zaoga FIF, encouraged women to change their mindset and venture into businesses that contributed towards the recovery and growth of the national economy.
“Maximise your economic lifestyle through personal assessment and have the right mindset to think national economic growth and recovery by venturing into big businesses,” she said.
Mrs Mwamuka said a strong work ethic, self-discipline and being virtuous were essential for any business to thrive.
“In business, integrity and virtuousness are important and for a business to thrive, one has to have strong work ethics and self-discipline,” she said.
She applauded the Government for availing land and giving mines to the people saying women should be at the forefront of these businesses.
The provincial development officer in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Mrs Vaidah Mashangwa, said women should have determination to contribute towards economic growth and recovery.
“With the little that we have, we can pool resources and start something that may help us contribute towards the national economy,” said Mrs Mashangwa.
She said the vision of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development was to see women empowered and as such urged them to be active participants in the recovery and growth of the national economy.
Online Reporter