Staff Reporter
BULAWAYO – Women in Bulawayo should take advantage of the province’s vast mineral wealth and actively participate in mining to boost their economic empowerment, self-reliance and inclusive development.
The call was made during belated International Women’s Day commemorations held at Mzilikazi Youth Centre, where women from different economic and social backgrounds gathered for an empowerment indaba focused on unlocking opportunities in mining and other productive sectors.
The event was convened by Ward 8 Councillor Leezina Mohamed and brought together key stakeholders including the Zimbabwe Indigenous Miners Association (ZIMA), represented by Tendai Chingwena, Jairos Jiri Association, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Women’s Bank, Women in Leadership Development, the Bulawayo Residents Association, the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association, and representatives from the Bulawayo City Council.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Proportional Representation MP Samukheliso Maseko (pictured) said women should position themselves to benefit from mining opportunities, in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for citizens to become economically self-reliant.
“Matabeleland is rich in minerals, and women must take their place in the mining sector. This is an opportunity for empowerment, job creation and sustainable livelihoods. Women should not remain on the periphery of economic activity,” she said.
Maseko also stressed that disability should not be a barrier to participation in economic development, urging inclusive approaches that ensure all women benefit from empowerment programmes.
Women in Leadership Development representative Jacqueline Ndhlovu said women are increasingly breaking barriers in male-dominated industries such as mining, but require sustained support to fully realise their potential.
“Women have shown resilience and capacity in mining and other challenging sectors, but what is needed is continued support, training, access to resources and inclusive policies that ensure no one is left behind,” she said.
ZIMA representative Chingwena encouraged women to formalise their mining activities and take advantage of available training and empowerment programmes aimed at strengthening participation in the sector.
Also in attendance were the Bulawayo Residents Association, the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association, and representatives from the Bulawayo City Council, who reaffirmed the importance of inclusive development and community participation in economic initiatives.
On the sidelines of the indaba, Maseko donated rice to women who attended the event, saying the gesture was meant to support vulnerable households while encouraging continued participation in empowerment programmes.
The gathering comes just weeks before Bulawayo hosts the 2026 Mine Entra exhibition, Zimbabwe’s premier mining, engineering and transport showcase, where stakeholders are expected to explore investment opportunities and innovations aimed at strengthening the mining sector and expanding women’s participation in the economy.
