‘Women’s League promotes inclusivity’

THE Zanu PF Women’s League serves as the backbone of the party. This year, the league was allocated a US$3 million revolving fund to support various empowerment projects. Zimpapers Politics Hub Senior Writer Joseph Madzimure (JM) held an interview with the Zanu PF Women’s League secretary for Administration Cde Monica Mutsvangwa (MM) to get an insight into their achievements for the year 2025.

JM: I understand the Women’s League is the bedrock of the party. What is the role of the league as the wing of the party?

MM: The Women’s League plays a crucial role in building party structures in several ways, it actively recruits and engages women to join the party, expanding the membership base and ensuring diverse representation. It organises grassroots campaigns and initiatives, helping to strengthen the local party presence and support across communities. The league often provides training and mentorship programmes for women, preparing them for leadership roles within the party and promoting inclusivity in decision-making.

It also advocates for policies that address women’s issues and broader social justice concerns, influencing the party’s platform and priorities.

The league’s major task is to demonstrate that it is the backbone of the party’s mobilisation machinery and has the weighty responsibility to grow and keep the membership galvanised.

JM: The league has received funding to support empowerment projects across the country. Can you shade light on that?

MM: We sincerely appreciate the leadership of our country, President Mnangagwa, who is also the President and First Secretary of the party. His efforts have created an environment that empowers women, motivating them to embrace opportunities with enthusiasm and confidence.

We are committed to moving forward, ensuring that no woman and no community is left behind. Our focus on inclusivity is vital, as we recognise that collaborating with everyone is essential for sustainable and economic development. Together, as members of Zanu PF, this is our shared vision.

JM: Which projects are you focusing on?

MM: We have several projects lined up, including a hatchery, chicken farming, piggery, sewing initiatives, and various agricultural projects. As the league we have 10 hatcheries across all the provinces. This is meant to capacitate our women.

We are ready to move forward, leaving no woman or community behind. Our commitment to inclusivity is essential. We recognise that collaborating with everyone fosters sustainable and economic development objectives we all share as members of Zanu PF.

JM: I understand that you received US$3 million for a revolving fund. Who is expected to benefit from the funding?

MM: The funding is for all the women who want to be empowered. When the Presidential Empowerment Fund was announced, it was meant for every woman in Zimbabwe. We are excited to have received these valuable resources.

We are dedicated to ensuring that every woman, no matter where she is, knows that President Mnangagwa is committed to everyone’s success, including women. We will continue to work diligently to support and empower each one of us.

JM: Besides facilitating women with funding to start their projects, do you also help them with the technical know-how to run their business?

MM: Absolutely! In addition to providing financial support, it’s essential to offer women comprehensive training and resources for running their businesses successfully.

We organise regular workshops on business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and digital skills.

We also partner aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors to provide guidance, advice, and support throughout their business journey.

In some instances, we organise networking events where women can connect with industry professionals, potential partners, and entrepreneurs.

We have launched an awareness campaign to empower women to run their own businesses. Funding will be available through banks once a project proposal is submitted.

Our goal is to help women understand essential business ethics.

We also have professionals who assist women on how to operate their business.

We have witnessed the state of food security in our country, and it’s essential to recognize who is responsible for producing the food that ends up on our tables: the women of this nation.

As the Women’s League, we encourage all women to rise, stand strong, and take action. We are committed to educating our members about critical issues, such as gender-based violence, which can affect us all. Our efforts include awareness campaigns that engage everyone men included making it clear that we do not tolerate gender-based violence in any form.

We want our women to raise children in a peaceful environment so that they can grow into empowered citizens, contributing to the greatness of our country.

We recognise that by empowering women, we empower families and strengthen communities.

JM: What’s your message to the girl child?

MM: We say to the girl child, be inspired. There are women who have paved the way before you, and now is the time for you to learn and grow.

As women, we want to nurture not only young women leaders today but also the future leaders of tomorrow.

JM: There is drug and substance abuse menace across the country among the young generation. What you are doing to fight the scourge?

MM: The Zanu PF Women’s League encourages young boys and girls to stay off the streets, as our President has zero tolerance for drug and substance abuse.

The inter-ministerial task force is working diligently to address these issues. We want to assure mothers who are struggling with children who are battling addiction that the Government and the Women’s League are here to support you.

We are committed to establishing more rehabilitation centres and ensuring that vocational training centres are active and accessible, so everyone has an opportunity to engage in meaningful work. As we all know, an idle mind is dangerous.

JM: I understand the party has introduced the “Fishers of Men” strategy to lure more people to join the revolutionary party. As the wing of the party, what are you doing to attract first time voters?

MM: We see our young women, aged 18 and above, stepping up to inspire others.

We aim to connect with schools, teaching children, even those under 18, about the Government’s role and their responsibilities as future citizens.

We are taking a proactive approach, collaborating closely with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Our goal is to continue educating our youth, ensuring they understand the opportunities available to them. Together, we will succeed and build a prosperous future for our country.