By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to broadening economic and social opportunities for women, saying inclusive empowerment remains central to Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.
Addressing the Zanu PF Women’s League national executive meeting at the party’s headquarters in Harare, President Mnangagwa encouraged women across the country to actively participate in Government-supported empowerment initiatives aimed at improving household incomes, creating sustainable livelihoods and enhancing their contribution to national economic growth.
“Government remains committed to ensuring that empowerment opportunities are inclusive and benefit all citizens. I encourage women to take full advantage of the various empowerment programmes available to improve household incomes and enhance their livelihoods,” President Mnangagwa said.
He said the Government continues to strengthen programmes designed to improve women’s access to economic resources, particularly through financial inclusion initiatives.
He noted that institutions such as the SMEs Development Fund and the Zimbabwe Women’s Development Bank have continued to play an important role in supporting women entrepreneurs by increasing access to affordable financing and enabling them to establish and expand businesses.
President Mnangagwa said women’s economic empowerment remains a key pillar in the country’s development strategy, adding that greater participation by women in productive sectors would contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth, job creation and improved family welfare.
He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making structures at both local authority and party levels and urged women to take up leadership positions and use their skills, experience and talents to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development and governance.
Turning to party affairs, President Mnangagwa commended the Women’s League for its continued commitment to the Zanu PF Constitution and its role in strengthening the ruling party through organised structures and regular engagement with members.
“I commend you for the respect you continue to demonstrate for the Party Constitution through the consistent convening of Party programmes. Your patriotism and unwavering loyalty to the Party are exemplary and deserve recognition.
“I urge the Women’s League at every level to continue conducting Party business in strict accordance with the Party Constitution. You should also regularly convene meetings and develop effective strategies aimed at growing and strengthening the Party’s membership,” President Mnangagwa said.
He further praised the league for its longstanding contribution to the party’s programmes and mobilisation efforts.
“You have continued to advance the ideals and vision of ZANU PF. Whenever the Party calls upon you, you are always among the first to respond, and you do so with unmatched dedication and enthusiasm. The Women’s League remains the backbone of our revolutionary Party, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation and driving its mission forward,” he said.
Earlier, Zanu PF Secretary for Women’s Affairs, Mable Chinomona congratulated President Mnangagwa following the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act into law, saying the legislation and the restoration of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission would strengthen women’s participation in national development and governance.
Chinomona also reaffirmed the Women’s League national executive’s commitment to combating gender-based violence and promoting the preservation of Zimbabwe’s cultural values by discouraging practices that violate the rights of women and children.
She further applauded President Mnangagwa for Zimbabwe’s election by the United Nations General Assembly to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, describing the development as a significant diplomatic achievement for the country.
Looking ahead, Chinomona challenged Women’s League members to begin preparations for upcoming inter-district meetings and called on all provinces to submit practical resolutions for consideration at the party’s forthcoming national conference.
The meeting, held under the theme “Investing In Women – Transforming The Nation For Generations,” marked the Women’s League’s first national executive meeting of the year and brought together party leaders to review programmes aimed at strengthening women’s participation in national development and the party’s organisational structures.
New Ziana
