Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
A women’s economic empowerment movement, Sisters for Economic Development (Sisters4ED), has thrown its weight behind Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 and said the proposed changes will enhance policy stability and accelerate economic development.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Thursday, Sisters4ED spokesperson and Harare Provincial Secretary-General Ms Nyasha Takayedza, said the organisation supports legal frameworks that strengthen economic progress and empower women.
“It is a pleasure to be here representing a movement of thousands of Zimbabwean women,” she said.
“Let me brief you on Sisters4ED’s economic development agenda. At Sisters4ED, we stand for progress, stability and empowerment. We believe women are the backbone of this economy and we support legal frameworks that ensure that backbone remains strong.”
Ms Takayedza said Sisters4ED was founded by seven women with experience in leadership and community development, who share a vision of promoting financial independence and professional autonomy among women.
She said the organisation has grown into a nationwide grassroots movement advocating for the economic emancipation of women.
“Sisters for Economic Development is a nationwide movement. Our motive is simple but powerful — we stand for the total economic emancipation of the Zimbabwean woman,” she said.
“We believe that for Zimbabwe to realise its Vision 2030 aspirations, the sister, the mother, the entrepreneur and the farmer must be at the centre of the table.”
Ms Takayedza said empowering women economically would also contribute to restoring Zimbabwe’s productivity across key sectors such as agriculture.
“Zimbabwe was once known as Africa’s breadbasket, and we want to play our part in restoring that legacy through women’s participation in economic activities,” she said.
Ms Takayedza said the organisation’s work is being carried out by provincial leadership structures across the country to ensure women from all communities benefit from empowerment programmes.
“Our foundation is built on the hard work of visionary women who understand that political stability is the true soil in which economic growth can thrive,” she said.
Ms Takayedza said the organisation’s support for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 was based on its potential to promote stability and continuity in governance.
“We say yes to Amendment Bill Number 3. We do not view this Bill as just a legal document — we view it as a development strategy,” she said.
“For too long, our nation has been stuck in an election cycle every five years, which can create uncertainty for markets and stall long-term projects.”
She said extending the political cycle would allow Government programmes and economic policies to be implemented fully.
“The addition of two more years allows policies to bear fruit and enables strategies under Vision 2030 to manifest,” she said.
Ms Takayedza said the proposed amendment would also ensure continuity in economic programmes already benefiting women, youths and other sectors.
“It ensures that economic projects currently empowering women, youths and various sectors of the economy are not interrupted by premature shifts,” she said.
She said the inclusion of technical experts in governance structures would also enhance economic planning and implementation.
“Economic development requires specialised skills and the involvement of technical experts,” she said.
Ms Takayedza urged women across the country to remain actively involved in national development initiatives and continue advocating for policies that promote inclusive economic growth.
