Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday reiterated Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and unveiled a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing their socio-economic status.
Speaking at the Zanu PF Women’s League National Assembly meeting at the party headquarters in Harare, the President said the initiatives provide women with essential resources and training.
These include solar-powered incubators, chicks and sewing machines aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency among women in various sectors.
The Women’s League National Assembly brought together delegates from across the country and ran under the theme, “Breaking barriers, building futures, Women’s journey towards Vision 2030”.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said: “When women are empowered, families are supported, communities developed and the economy grows.
“Together, including all the Leagues and Government, we must continue to cooperate closely to eradicate poverty and inequality, for a higher quality of life for our people.”
The President said it is the responsibility of every Zimbabwean to focus on the development of the country for the attainment of Visio 2030 of an empowered upper-middle-income society.
“Ngatirambe tichishanda takabatana, tichivaka zvikoro, maclinic, nepekushandira pakanaka; tichirima nekutengesa zvatinogadzira munyika medu.
“Ticharamba tichibudirira, tichizvitonga zvizere. No one else has that responsibility to build our country. We must develop and build it ourselves,” he said.
President Mnangagwa stressed that the empowerment of women is not only a moral imperative but also a critical building block for national development.
The meeting was convened in line with the provisions of the Zanu PF constitution and followed three high-level party meetings namely the Politburo, Central Committee and the National Consultative Assembly.
The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration among party members in advancing women’s issues.
President Mnangagwa called for collective efforts to eradicate poverty and inequality.
He implored the women’s league executive members to use the gathering to strengthen grassroots organisation and attract more members, particularly younger women.
To encourage participation and accountability, the President announced that the best-performing provinces in mobilising women would receive rewards.
The top province will be awarded a vehicle, while the second will receive US$10 000 and third will get US$5 000.
The remainder will receive US$500 each. This initiative aims to foster a spirit of competition that encourages growth and effective reporting on women’s participation in the party.
President Mnangagwa also congratulated the Women’s League for successfully holding co-options since their last National Assembly meeting.
He said after the co-options, the League should advise the party leadership to verify if they were done properly.
“In our party’s internal democratic processes, there is no winner or loser. Zanu PF is always the ultimate victor.
“This is our long-standing tradition that binds the party together.”
President Mnangagwa also highlighted the strides made in increasing women’s representation in leadership positions in Government.
He cited several key appointments, including Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and Senate president Mabel Chinomona, as evidence of the Government’s commitment to entrusting women with decision-making roles.
The President challenged the Women’s League to use these positions strategically for the overall well-being of all women, adding that “no place or women must be left behind”.
He emphasised that empowering women through access to education, skills training, economic resources and leadership skills is vital for national progress.
President Mnangagwa noted that barriers hindering women’s advancement, such as gender-based violence and child marriages, must be dismantled as the nation moves towards Vision 2030.
In addition to advocating for women’s rights, President Mnangagwa committed to enforcing laws and support systems that protect women.
He acknowledged the critical role of women in sectors such as healthcare and education.
“Our teachers, the majority of whom are women, are part of the main reasons our country has a highly reputable education system,” said the President.
He also addressed the pleas from citizens regarding the need for increased Government support for the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), announcing that ZiG400 million would be disbursed monthly to clear outstanding payments for beneficiaries.
As the country continues to implement infrastructure development projects, the President reiterated that these initiatives aim to support the economic empowerment of women, youths and small to medium-sized enterprises.
The construction of markets, modernisation of border posts and rehabilitation of roads are all initiatives that will benefit women-led businesses.
President Mnangagwa also appealed to the Women’s League to assist in addressing the issue of drug and substance abuse affecting youths and some elderly people.
“I implore you to support and uplift each other through developing collaborations in your respective provinces and with other progressive revolutionary organisations of the region, continent and beyond.
“Let us recommit to breaking barriers and building futures that empower women. Together, we can create a society where women thrive, contribute, and lead in our ongoing collective efforts to propel our nation towards Vision 2030,” he said.
As the party is preparing for the 22nd National People’s Conference to be held at Mutare Polytechnic, President Mnangagwa expects the party and the Women’s League, in particular, to thoroughly prepare for the gathering.
Zanu PF Secretary for the Women’s League, Cde Chinomona, said women were not only pledging their political loyalty but also leading from the front in party mobilisation, with a particular focus on young voters.
“Our women are taking the lead in cell verification and voter mobilisation efforts. We are also keen to modernise the party and make it more attractive to young people,” she said.
Cde Chinomona also encouraged women to take part in the country’s development, adding that they fully support Government programmes.
She applauded the President for the work done on the Trabablas Interchange, Mbare Musika new market and the Geo Pomona waste management plant.
Cde Chinomona thanked President Mnangagwa for his recent visits to Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Hospitals.
The Women’s League National Assembly brought together delegates from across the country, reinforcing the League’s role in driving party programmes and national development.
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