Zimbabwe remains unwavering in empowering women and girls

Monica Mutsvangwa

Today, we gather to celebrate the power of women and girls in Zimbabwe under the theme “Give to Gain”.

This is our collective call to action: to share knowledge, resources and opportunity; to amplify voice and visibility; to provide unwavering support, mentorship and respect.

And to offer the sacred gifts of time, work-life balance, psychological safety and healthcare because without these foundations, there is no true justice.

When we give, we do not lose. We gain a nation where every woman and girl can rise.

In Zimbabwe, we are guided by a fundamental belief: When women thrive, the nation prospers.

Our Government remains unwavering in its commitment to empowering women and girls, yet we know that sustainable change cannot be achieved alone. It demands a united front.

We call upon every Zimbabwean, every organisation and every stakeholder to join us.

Together, we will ensure that the women of Zimbabwe have what they need to lead, to prosper and to shape our collective future.

“Give to Gain” is a way of seeing the world. It is the quiet decision to share our time, our knowledge and our resources, trusting that generosity sets in motion a ripple of empowerment.

It lives in the hours spent mentoring a young girl, the belief invested in a woman entrepreneur and the voice raised for policies that demand equality.

In giving, we do not diminish ourselves. We expand what is possible for her, for us, for Zimbabwe.

Let us be honest about the struggles that remain. As women, we continue to face barriers: limited access to land, gaps in digital literacy, restricted market entry and financial exclusion.

These are not small obstacles; they are walls that confine our potential and limit our economic freedom. But we also know this: We have the power to shape the future. We have the strength to break barriers and challenge stereotypes.

We have the resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

These challenges do not define us. Our response to them does.

Through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, and with our valued partners, we have turned commitment into action.

My ministry is revising the National Broad-Based Women’s Economic Empowerment Framework to dismantle cultural norms and unlock access to resources.

We have launched the National Gender Policy to ensure women’s voices are not just heard but heeded at every table where decisions are made.

To champion the well-being of women, we have established one-stop centres and mobile units, as well as integrated hubs that provide holistic support.

We have also equipped thousands of women with practical skills in high-demand sectors, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and drive national development from the ground up.

Access to finance has been expanded through the Women’s Development Fund, the Zimbabwe Community Development Fund, the Women’s Microfinance Bank and SMEDCO (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation). These are not just institutions; they are bridges connecting women to the capital they need to turn ideas into enterprises and dreams into realities.

We are not simply implementing programmes. We are changing lives. Every loan disbursed, every woman trained, every business born — these are the threads weaving a new story for Zimbabwe.

And this story is being written by the resilience, innovation and determination of Zimbabwean women themselves, who are driving transformation at the grassroots.

I implore you: Give to gain. Know that every act of generosity, every resource shared, (and) every hour spent mentoring, will multiply and return to us many times over.

Let us prioritise expanding financial inclusion for women-led businesses.

Let us formalise informal sector operations so that women can access the protections and opportunities they deserve.

Let us strengthen our systems to ensure efficient, dignified service delivery for all.

To the women and girls of Zimbabwe, believe in yourself. Support each other. Never give up on your dreams. You are the architects of your own destiny and the foundation upon which our nation will rise. To the men and boys of Zimbabwe, be our allies.

Be our champions. Stand with us, walk with us and join us in this journey.

This is not a women’s fight; it is a human fight. And when we fight together, we win together.

Let us build a Zimbabwe where women and girls can thrive. A nation where they can live free from violence, where their potential is unleashed and where they can reach and exceed their full potential.

When we give, we gain. When we lift her up, we lift up our communities, our economy and our nation.

Happy International Women’s Day, and may we continue to give to gain.

Senator Monica Mutsvangwa is the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development. She made this speech at the Zwani Capital International Women’s Day Conference and Exhibition in Harare on Friday.