Enhancing women economic participation for national development
By Memory Mudzani
Zimbabwe’s economic growth and performance is as a result of mixed participation from both men and women though men are more involved in the economic development than women and this leaves the nation with no option than to empower women to take a role in the economic activities.
According to the information recorded by the Herald, minister of women affairs, community, small and medium enterprise development Monica Mutsvangwa said women participation in economic development remains key to achievement of national development and that the government was working with stakeholders to ensure full participation of women in national development.
In an interview with Caroline Mutimbanyoka the director of Sprout women empowerment Trust, she said that advocating for policies that promote gender equality in the workforce and supporting entrepreneurship programs and microfinance initiatives can create a more inclusive economic landscape for both men and women.
Mutimbanyoka also said that concerted efforts should be directed toward educational empowerment and skill development to women which will enhance their economic participation.
“Initiatives focusing on providing tailored training programs and educational opportunities for women in both peri-urban and rural areas can significantly broaden their skill sets, enabling them to access a wider array of economic opportunities,” said Mutimbanyoka
Betina Mutambara who is the Chairperson of Zimbabwe Women Empowerment and Child Rights Organization (ZWECRO )told this publication that Women’s participation in economic development can be promoted through policies and programs that aim to remove barriers that prevent women from participating in economic activities.
Mutambara also said providing access to education, trainings, expanding child care options and increasing access to financial services can help in encouraging women participation in economic development.
Mutambara further said that in trying to promote women participation in economic development as ZWECRO they carried out trainings for women-detergent making and poultry.
Director of sprout women empowerment also said that fostering a culture of mentorship and networking opportunities for women can provide them with the necessary support and guidance to navigate and excel in various economic sectors.
She also said that advocating for increased representation of women in key forums that influence the allocation of economic and financial resources can enhance women inclusion in economic development.
In interview with some women in kwekwe they said that women are not fully participating in economic development programs because of gender believes in their respective communities, work places and families so they suggested that there should be implementation of gender policies in programs to promote gender equality such as gender sensitive budgeting, gender sensitive hiring ,promotion policies and gender specific services and this will help in breaking some of the barriers hindering them from participating in the economic development initiatives .
