Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa, Mutare Bureau
Zimbabwe has made numerous notable achievements in empowering rural women in order to address the challenges they face, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, has said.
She reaffirmed the unwavering commitment while officially launching the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 celebrations at Munyarari Primary School in Mutare yesterday.
IWD is commemorated on March 8 annually and this year, it is running under the theme, “All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.
Minister Mutsvangwa said Government remains committed to empowering women through various initiatives, leaving no one and no place behind.
“Government recognises that women and girls continue to face significant barriers to achieving their full potential,” she said.
“From discriminatory laws and policies to societal norms and stereotypes, women and girls are often marginalised, excluded, and silenced.
“However, we also acknowledge the incredible progress that has been made towards achieving gender equality, and we celebrate the courage, resilience and determination of women and girls who are driving this change.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe has made significant strides in promoting women’s rights and empowerment.
“Our Constitution guarantees equal rights for women and men and we have implemented various policies and programmes aimed at promoting gender equality.
“However, despite these efforts, women and girls in Zimbabwe continue to face significant challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said Government recognises that empowering women is not just a moral obligation but a strategic necessity to combat poverty, illiteracy, hunger and malnutrition.
“Government has made significant strides in ensuring rural women are equipped to conquer adversity.
“Through my ministry, Government is relentlessly providing awareness and training to women on climate change mitigation and adaptation, which is pivotal in fortifying resilience.
“We are tirelessly collaborating with development partners to amplify women’s access to renewable energy sources, liberating them from hazardous traditional cooking methods that endanger family health,” she said.
The minister passionately highlighted how solar-powered boreholes and irrigation schemes have revolutionised livelihoods, while menstrual health training and reusable sanitary wear production have uplifted over 2 000 rural women and girls this year alone.
“We will not rest until every community can reliably supply the much-needed sanitary wear, ensuring no girl is left behind,” she declared.
Minister Mutsvangwa expounded on financial empowerment, detailing how microfinance facilities established in collaboration with development partners and financial institutions are transforming lives.
“Through the Zimbabwe Women Development Fund, Community Development Fund, Women’s Micro Finance Bank, and SMEDCO funding facilities, we provide affordable loans to women, enabling them to become formidable entrepreneurs who drive economic growth,” she proclaimed.
United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, praised the nation’s monumental progress, urging unwavering dedication to the cause.
“International Women’s Day is a clarion call to uphold the dignity and rights of women and girls worldwide.
“The UN stands shoulder to shoulder with Zimbabwe, committed to reversing the regression in women’s rights and forging a path to true gender equality,” he said.
Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgärde, who was representing European Union nations, lauded Zimbabwe’s relentless pursuit of gender equality, acknowledging the nation’s progress while emphasising the need for sustained momentum.
“Today is not just a celebration, it is a call to action. Zimbabwe’s Constitution enshrines gender equality, the Education Act ensures pregnant girls remain in school and the Marriage Act protects vulnerable girls.
“Yet, the scourge of gender-based violence persists, with one in three women affected. We must unite to obliterate this injustice,” he affirmed, reinforcing the EU’s resolute support through the Team Europe initiative.
Ambassador Lindgärde said the EU has funded many initiatives in Zimbabwe that have significantly contributed to improving the lives of women and girls.
“These initiatives have supported projects aimed at enhancing access to quality education, promoting women’s economic empowerment through small and medium enterprises, and strengthening healthcare services in rural areas,” he said.
He also stressed that the EU remains committed to working with the Government of Zimbabwe to create sustainable opportunities for women, protect their rights, and eliminate gender-based violence.
“Through the Team Europe initiative, the EU has consistently championed gender equality, funding programmes that equip women with essential skills, provide start-up capital for income-generating activities, and ensure that vulnerable communities receive the necessary support to thrive,” he said.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, extolled the indomitable spirit and achievements of women in the province.
“Women constitute approximately 1 035 000 of Manicaland’s population, and their resilience is unparalleled. Our province has produced trailblazing leaders like Minister Oppah Muchinguri and Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
“Manicaland stands as an unyielding pillar of women’s empowerment, with girls’ schools shattering records and achieving historic milestones,” he said with pride.
Adv Mugadza applauded transformative local projects spearheaded by President Mnangagwa, including the Chikanga Mushroom Project in Mutare, Jopa Market in Chimanimani, and Cynara Dairy in Mutasa.
“These visionary initiatives have equipped women to ascend as innovators and captains of industry, catalysing community transformation,” he added.
International Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900s — a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.
