President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to empowering young women to become active participants in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, saying their contribution is increasingly critical to national development.
The President was speaking at the second Young Women for Economic Development (Young Women 4ED) Business Convention held at the Harare International Conference Centre, yesterday, which also marked the movement’s fifth anniversary.
Founded five years ago, Young Women 4ED seeks to empower young women to pursue economic independence and participate in various sectors of the economy while contributing to national development.
The anniversary celebrations brought together young women from across the country, with the convention providing a platform for members to showcase businesses, innovations and initiatives spanning agriculture, manufacturing, technology, mining, retail and other emerging industries.
President Mnangagwa toured exhibition stands featuring products and projects by members drawn from Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces, highlighting the growing entrepreneurial capacity of young women.
He said the movement had evolved into a significant national force with structures established across provinces and districts.
“The Young Women for Economic Development has evolved into a vibrant, progressive force, with strong grassroots structures established across all provinces and districts,” President Mnangagwa said.
He also commended the organisation for its participation in the 2023 Harmonised General Elections, saying a number of its members were elected as councillors under the Zanu PF banner.
The President urged more young women to participate in the movement and embrace the values and ideology of the ruling party.
He said the Government would continue addressing barriers that hinder women’s advancement, particularly limited access to finance, inadequate workplace facilities and barriers to participation.
President Mnangagwa said the Presidential Empowerment Fund was already transforming the lives of women and young people and urged beneficiaries to use the resources to increase production, productivity and diversify their businesses.
“The importance of women empowerment as one of the pertinent strategies for lifting many of our people out of poverty into prosperity, gender equality and realisation of broader inclusive sustainable development cannot be over-emphasised,” he said.
The celebrations also honoured women who have made significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s political and socio-economic development.
Those recognised included First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Zanu PF Secretary for Women Affairs, Mabel Chinomona and several senior members of the party’s Women’s League.
The convention underscored the growing emphasis on women-led enterprises as Zimbabwe pursues inclusive economic growth and greater participation of young people in the national economy.
