Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
The ZANU PF Women’s League Empowerment Programme is steadily gaining ground across Manicaland, with a growing number of income-generating projects transforming women’s livelihoods and strengthening community development.
The programme, which was officially launched by President Mnangagwa, was introduced at Bezeley Bridge in Zimunya-Marange party administrative district, reaffirming the ruling party and Government’s unwavering commitment to grassroots empowerment through women-led economic initiatives.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development in partnership with the ZANU PF Women’s League, the initiative is championed nationally by Cde Mabel Chinomona and the League’s Secretary for Administration, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.
Addressing women from all wards in the district last Friday, Senator Mutsvangwa — who also serves as Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister — stressed that the programme is inclusive and designed to benefit every woman, regardless of political affiliation.
“This empowerment programme is, not only for ZANU PF members, but for every woman in Zimunya-Marange who wants to improve her life. When you empower a woman, you empower the family, the community, and ultimately the nation,” she said.
Senator Mutsvangwa emphasised that economic empowerment begins at household level, noting that financially stable families contribute to better child upbringing and help reduce drug and substance abuse.
To ensure sustainability, her ministry has deployed technical experts to support projects such as beekeeping, piggery, mushroom farming, fish farming, beauty therapy, and motor-related skills training — practical ventures designed to uplift households and communities alike.
“These projects are aligned with President Mnangagwa’s vision of achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030, and our role as a ministry is to ensure continuity and success at community level,” she said.
National coordinator of the ZANU PF Women’s League, Cde Workson Chadambuka said the programme has recorded an encouraging uptake, particularly in skills development.
“The numbers are steadily increasing, especially in driving lessons where about 740 people have already registered in Mutare District alone. Manicaland is responding positively, and we are confident these projects will reach every corner of the province,” said Cde Chadambuka.
ZANU PF Manicaland Women’s League chairlady, Cde Dorothy Mabika said the programme is being rolled out across all the party’s eight administrative districts, with seven already covered.
“The initiative has been warmly welcomed by women across the province, and more than 60 000 chicks have been distributed to empower women economically,” said Cde Mabika.
The women beneficiaries are expected to pay back the chicks after they start laying eggs, creating a sustainable model that will see more women benefiting from the programme.
This approach is aimed at ensuring the long-term success of the initiative.
Cde Mabika urged women to take advantage of the opportunities being presented by the programme, saying they had the full support of the Government and the ZANU PF Women’s League.
The programme is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of women in Manicaland, improving their economic status and contributing to the overall development of the province.
Beneficiaries hailed the empowerment drive, saying it comes at a critical time when households are struggling to put food on the table.
They said the programme is giving them a chance to fend for their families and send their children to school.
The women, who have started poultry projects, said they are earning steady income and support their families.
The women expressed gratitude to the Government and ZANU PF Women’s League for the initiative, saying it was a game-changer for them and their communities, bringing hope and economic independence.
