Online Reporter
Zimbabwe’s leading media house, Zimpapers, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, is today (Wednesday) hosting a high-level engagement in Bulawayo to celebrate women’s contributions across all levels of society and the economy.
The event is being held under the theme: “Celebrating Excellence and Leadership in a Transforming Economy – Women Driving Zimbabwe’s Rise.”
Titled “Weaving Women’s Influence into Zimbabwe’s Growth Story,” the engagement has drawn women from various organisations, including entrepreneurs and senior executives.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa, who is being represented by her deputy, Kiven Mutimbanyoka is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Our reporter Sikhulekelani Moyo will give us live updates from the venue of this important engagement.
Women central to Zimbabwe’s transformation
Zimpapers Health and Gender Editor, Robin Muchetu, has underscored the critical role of women in driving Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation, saying their full inclusion is key to the country’s development agenda.
Speaking during a women’s empowerment engagement hosted in Bulawayo in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Muchetu said the gathering was anchored on the belief that national development is a collective responsibility.
She said Zimbabwe’s development trajectory cannot be complete without women playing a central role across all sectors.
“We are positioning women as central actors in our national transformation,” said Muchetu. “Your ideas and leadership are what accelerate enterprise development and deepen our national resilience.
“Today is about affirming that reality and sharpening the pathways through which women’s contributions translate into measurable economic gains.”
Muchetu highlighted that women continue to play a pivotal role in various sectors of the economy, contributing significantly to productivity and social cohesion.
Muchetu said whether in boardrooms, laboratories, farms, or factories, women are the heart of productivity and social cohesion.
“We deliberately shine a light on both executive leadership and technical/vocational contributions because true inclusion recognises every hand that contributes to our growth,” she said.
She added that the initiative, in collaboration with the ministry, seeks to achieve several key objectives, including amplifying women’s voices and strengthening collaboration across sectors.
“In partnership with our anchor ministry, this event serves five concrete purposes, amplification: using Zimpapers’ print, digital, and broadcast platforms to elevate national Women’s Month messaging. Coordination: creating a structured interface where government, corporates, and SMEs can coordinate actions for women’s economic participation.”
On mobilisation Ms Muchetu said Zimpapers is urging the private sector to align their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities with national gender goals.
Partnerships key to advancing women’s economic participation
The women’s empowerment engagement, hosted by Zimpapers in Bulawayo, is being held in partnership with several organisations, including National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), NetOne, Seed Co, Old Mutual and Lupane State University.
In her remarks, NRZ Acting General Manager, Ainah Dube-Kaguru, who was represented by Mrs Lynn Magodora, said the gathering reflects the importance of collaboration and strong networks in advancing women’s development.
She said by connecting across sectors, women strengthen the bonds that allow them to mentor, collaborate and build enterprises that sustain families and transform industries.
“This is how we ensure that progreas in not isolated, but shared, said Mrs Kaguru.
“It is in giving knoweth, time and support that we gain stronger communities, thriving industries and a more inclusive Zimbabwe.”
Women key to achieving Vision 2030, says LSU official
A senior official at Lupane State University has emphasised the importance of empowering women and girls in driving Zimbabwe’s development agenda, in line with the country’s Vision 2030 goals.
LSU director quality assurance Dr Shynet Chivasa said opportunity favours the prepared, urging women to acquire the right skills that will help them get positions they desire.
She said women always cry that they are segregated. However, she said women take back seats when acquiring skills is concerned.
Dr Chivasa highlighted the central role of human capital in achieving industrialisation, innovation and inclusive growth.
“Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 places human capital at the centre of industrialisation, innovation, and inclusive growth,” said Dr Chivasa.
“Yet we know that we cannot speak of national development while half the population remains on the margins.
“When we educate, skill, and empower women and girls, we do not just change individual lives; we shift the development trajectory of entire communities and the country.”
Dr Chivasa said the university has taken deliberate steps to promote gender inclusivity across its systems and programmes.
She said at Lupane State University, they have deliberately re-oriented their policies, programmes, and culture to embrace gender inclusivity across the institution.
“Our student body currently numbers is 60 percent female students.
“This means that women are not only present on our campus, but they are also the majority in our classrooms, laboratories, lecture theatres, and clubs, and their perspectives are central to the academic and social life of the university,” added Dr Chivasa.
Women vital to urban development, Bulawayo City Council official says
The City of Bulawayo has underscored the importance of women’s inclusion in both urban and national development, noting their significant contribution to economic growth.
Speaking at a recent engagement, the city’s Corporate Communications Manager, Nesisa Mpofu, said women cannot be sidelined in shaping the future of the city and the country.
She revealed that Bulawayo has a population of approximately 650 000 people, of which about 358 000 are women, highlighting the need to ensure their meaningful participation in development processes.
Ms Mpofu said women’s influence remains critical in Zimbabwe’s economic growth, with the city continuing to make progress in promoting women’s empowerment.
” Whilst the city works on gender mainstreaming, we still have a limited number in executive possition with 16 percent in executive positions,” said Ms Mpofu.
Financial discipline key to women’s entrepreneurial success
In her testimony, businesswoman Marry Simango urged aspiring female entrepreneurs to embrace discipline, particularly in managing finances, as a cornerstone of business success.
She said uncontrolled spending and poor decisions often lead to failure, warning that a lack of financial discipline can undermine even the most promising ventures.
Ms Simango said discipline is not easy, noting that there are days when motivation alone is not enough to sustain progress.
“As we celebrate women’s month, I urge women to be disciplined,” said Ms Simango.
Invest in assets, not just appearance, women urged
Dr Nothando Moyo challenged women to prioritise personal development and long-term investments.
Dr Moyo addressed issues around personal growth, urging women to focus on what truly matters for their future and financial stability.
She said many women tend to focus more on material appearance, including clothing, shoes and hair, often going to the extent of entering payment plans to afford such items.
“Why are we not doing the same in buying stands and houses,” said Dr Moyo.
