Victoria Falls, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe on Tuesday launched its own chapter of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), which brings together female African leaders from various sectors with the aim of enhancing women leadership towards the realization of Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Members of the Zimbabwe chapter include Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, Women’s Affairs Minister Stembiso Nyoni, former Vice President Joice Mujuru and opposition leader Thokozani Khupe.
Speaking at the launch, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commended the women leaders who participated in the global conceptualization of the network
and bringing the concept back home to assist other women leaders.
“I am advised that the African Women Leaders Network was launched in New York in 2017 as an action-oriented initiative that seeks to enhance the leadership of African women in bringing transformative changes focusing on peace, security and development on the continent. The network further offers the opportunity for women leaders to create a national platform for
coordinated efforts for the development of our country. The launch of this African Women Leaders Network, Zimbabwe Chapter is therefore welcome and
most opportune,” he said.
“I exhort you to ensure that this platform provides a coordinated platform for women leaders in Zimbabwe to exchange experiences and expertise with their sisters on the continent, to help inform our own national development discourse. It is my hope that the African Women Leaders Network in Zimbabwe will also provide an important pathway to accelerate the ongoing efforts to
improve the quality of life of our people, in line with our National Vision 2030 as well as the Agenda 2030.”
President Mnangagwa said the AWLN must vigorously empower rural women, mentor young women, and seek the attainment of gender equality as well as inclusion of women in all sectors of the economy.
“No one should be left behind as we strive to achieve the Africa we all want. This chapter must equally be used to help in the realization of Section 80 of our national Constitution, which emphasizes the women’s right to equal opportunities.,” he said.
He said, the inclusion of women must continue to be encouraged from the family and community to the national level.
“While women in Zimbabwe and other African countries, may face challenges that limit them from effectively participating in the economic, social and political spheres;I am confident that this new national chapter will generate greater technical and financial support for women’s leadership and other women in general.
“I encourage you as women leaders to stimulate development and take positions towards the achievement of our national vision 2030.”
News Ziana
