Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
ZANU-PF National Secretary for Women’s Affairs, Cde Mabel Chinomona, has reaffirmed that women’s empowerment remains central to the party’s development agenda, stating that women form the foundation of economic growth in Zimbabwe.
She emphasised that the party acknowledges the unique challenges faced by women and is working flat out to ensure that all provinces benefit from women-centred, transformative projects.
Cde Chinomona made the remarks during her visit to Lupane in Matabeleland North Province on Thursday, where she engaged district chairladies, the Women’s League, and members of various party affiliates representing women.
As part of the visit, the Women’s League handed over a solar-powered hatchery with a capacity of 3 600 eggs, along with 2 000 starter eggs, to kick-start a poultry project in the district.
Previously, women had been given day-old chicks as individuals, to initiate their ventures.
“This is the eighth province I’ve visited, and I’m pleased to see how much support you give your Minister of State. He has told me about your strong working relationship. President Mnangagwa wants to see women empowered and we are here to make that happen. We want you to elevate your status, women are a vital cog in national development. Do not look down on one another and avoid internal conflicts,” she said.
She expressed concern that women currently make up only 33 percent of Parliament, despite being the majority of the population, attributing this in part to women’s reluctance to vote for each other.
“This issue of not supporting one another at the polls must end. We should reach a point where men come to us, asking for our votes. The President has also heard our concerns and has constructed hospitals, clinics and boreholes, recognising that women suffer the most when these services are lacking,” she said.
Cde Chinomona highlighted that Vision 2030, Zimbabwe’s goal to attain upper-middle-income status, is achievable if women play their part in economic development.
“This is why we sourced machinery specifically for women, to open local factories producing clothes and uniforms.
These initiatives will be monitored. We’ve also trained you to make detergents for income generation and household use. You were given chickens, and these should continue to multiply. The hatchery and starter eggs are meant to support this expansion. If you encounter challenges, please communicate with us rather than let the projects fail,” she added.
She said the hatchery would benefit women, who had not yet received chickens and would also boost household nutrition by providing eggs and meat. The Women’s League reiterated its vision of achieving total political and socio-economic empowerment for every woman by 2030.
The Deputy Minister of Housing and Social Amenities, Cde Musa Ncube, who is also Tsholotsho South legislator, urged women to unite and work together as a powerful collective.
“We’ve been empowered through Pfumvudza/Intwasa, baking courses, sewing and detergent-making, initiatives that have benefitted women nationwide. This incubator will produce 28 000 chicks over nine months. That’s real empowerment. Cde Chinomona is working tirelessly to ensure the development of both the province and the country.
She’s been instrumental in promoting women’s participation in politics and leadership,” she said.
Cde Chinomona was accompanied by several senior party figures, including the Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Cde Richard Moyo; Cde Judith Ncube from Bulawayo Province, the National Political Commissar for the Women’s League, Cde Maybe Mbowa; and Senator Tambudzani Mohadi, among others.
Cde Mbowa urged women to reject the dependency syndrome and instead work hard to meet their needs.
She also warned against social media fights, among party members, saying such behaviour tarnishes the image of the party and its leadership.
Cde Moyo, who is also the party’s Matabeleland North provincial chairperson, commended Cde Chinomona as a seasoned and loyal cadre of the revolution, committed to women’s empowerment.
“We are grateful to have you here in Matabeleland North. Since the advent of the Second Republic, we’ve witnessed numerous development programmes targeting women. They are engaged in income-generating projects that have transformed lives. I allocated a 300-hectare farm to women, and they must make full use of it. We must support women with various projects,” he said.
He noted that over 300 boreholes have been drilled in the province, providing much-needed water. In addition, new clinics, schools, a hospital and roads are currently under construction through the Second Republic’s efforts.
“Since 1980, governors operated from Bulawayo, but we now have a large Government complex within the province. Just two weeks ago, the upgrading of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road was approved, with multiple contractors engaged. We are truly in awe of the Second Republic,” he said.
Cde Moyo also declared the province’s unwavering support for President Mnangagwa’s leadership through to 2030. Districts represented at the meeting included Binga, Bubi, Hwange, Lupane, Nkayi, Tsholotsho and Umguza. —
@NyembeziMu
