Mutsvangwa urges women to seize devolution opportunities

Chimanimani, (New Ziana) – Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has urged women to take advantage of government devolution programmes by engaging in developmental projects and become self-reliant.

Addressing women in Bumba, Chimanimani West, Mutsvangwa said it was time women took a leading role in initiating development in their communities.

Women are spearheading a number of developmental and income generating projects in various districts of Manicaland province.

Mutsvangwa said the role played by women in development was vital and urged them to stop perceiving themselves as marginalised.

“It’s high time you stand up and be counted. We are here to share ideas on how we can develop our country through embarking on various income generating projects,” she said.

The minister, who was accompanied by Zanu PF Women`s League provincial chairlady Happiness Nyakuedzwa, said her wish was to see women in Manicaland establishing thriving businesses that lifted their standards of living.

“Gone are the days when women sit and do nothing at home. It’s about time we wake up from deep slumber and grab the opportunities being availed by the Second Republic led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” she said.

She advised women to take advantage of a women`s bank which was set up specifically to disburse loans to women in business.

“Please take advantage of the women`s bank which was specifically set up to avail affordable loans to women who want to start or upgrade their businesses,” Mutsvangwa said.

She urged the bank to fairly process every application submitted by women who want to start or upgrade their businesses.
Chimanimani West legislator, Joshua Sacco thanked minister Mutsvangwa for engaging and supporting initiatives being undertaken by local women.

He also said women empowerment and participation in economic activities is important if the country is to achieve Vision 2030 of transforming the nation into a middle class economy.

“We thank the minister for paying attention to our needs. We are also grateful to President Mnangagwa`s Pfumvunza programme because it has benefitted a lot of locals through the provision of equipment and inputs,” said Sacco.

“I also believe and convinced that women entrepreneurs can drive economic growth in this country judging from what I witnessing here today.”

The women were also drawn from Chipinge, Zimunya and Marange districts.
New Ziana