By Marshia Mutambi

MARONDERA– Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development is making significant strides in empowering women through various projects and initiatives in Mashonaland East province.

The initiatives are aimed at intensifying women representation in social, economic and political spheres as well as foster a spirit of entrepreneurship. The women are provided access to financial resources, skills, and markets.

In a recent interview with Chaminuka, provincial development officer for Mashonaland East, Tendai Nyamadzawo highlighted that the Ministry offers loans at a nominal interest rate of 10 percent to groups of women to start small businesses.

“These loans are payable in one year with a three-month grace period. We target vulnerable groups such as widows, those with special needs, survivors of gender-based violence, and war veterans. In addition to these loans, the ministry works with partners to provide grants and other forms of support. The Women’s Bank, for instance, offers loans at a 4 percent interest rate per month to those who do not receive government funding.

“To equip women with essential skills, the Ministry offers training in entrepreneurship, business management, and vocational training in various areas. Women are encouraged to form self-help groups, saving their own money and participating in internal savings and lending clubs (mukando) to start small businesses,” Nyamadzawo said.

The Ministry’s efforts are paying off, with many women in Mashonaland East now running successful businesses that have helped improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country’s economic growth and prosperity.