Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
WOMEN have been recognised as key drivers of national development, despite persistent challenges such as limited access to education, financial resources, and technology, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has said.
She was speaking in Seke District on Thursday during commemorations of the International Day of Rural Women, an event dedicated to celebrating the vital role that rural women play in food security, agricultural development, and community resilience.
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme “Rural Women Rising – Shaping Resilient Futures with Beijing+30,” which reaffirms Zimbabwe’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in line with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The theme also aligns with the African Union’s call for reparatory justice and inclusive agri-food systems, complementing Zimbabwe’s efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture and digital inclusion.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the French Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Paul Bertrand Barets, and the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, among other senior Government officials.
Senator Mutsvangwa stated that rural women form the backbone of families and communities across the globe, yet they remain marginalised. “They cultivate the land, nurture families, preserve traditions, and contribute immensely to food security and national development,” she said. “Yet, they often remain on the margins of progress, facing barriers such as limited access to education, digital skills, markets, and financial resources.”
“We recognise the invaluable contribution of our rural women and are committed to ensuring that they benefit from the opportunities brought by technological advancement.”
“ Our Constitution and national policies reaffirm our commitment to gender equality, and through targeted programmes, we continue to empower women economically, socially, and technologically.”
She expressed gratitude to the French Ambassador for providing support towards the project. “I appreciate the role that the Women Coalition of Zimbabwe has played in implementing this project. By embracing digital tools and innovation, we can strengthen women’s economic independence, enhance community development, and ensure that no woman is left behind in this rapidly evolving digital era.”
Before delivering her keynote address, Senator Mutsvangwa officially commissioned the Mudzimai Wanhasi Empowerment Hub at Murape Secondary School. The hub was established by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) in partnership with the Embassy of France.
She noted that the new facility would provide digital literacy and entrepreneurship training to help rural women access online markets, embrace e-commerce, and utilise mobile banking platforms. “This hub will act as a space where women can access training in digital literacy, online marketing, e-commerce, and mobile banking, empowering them to grow their businesses, reach new markets, and participate more fully in the digital economy,” she said. “I encourage all women to take advantage of the opportunities offered through the Mudzimai Wanhasi Empowerment Hub.”
She expressed gratitude to the French Ambassador for providing support towards the project. “I appreciate the role that the Women Coalition of Zimbabwe has played in implementing this project. By embracing digital tools and innovation, we can strengthen women’s economic independence, enhance community development, and ensure that no woman is left behind in this rapidly evolving digital era.”
“The hub will also strengthen climate-smart agriculture initiatives by introducing digital tools that provide weather information, market prices, and farming techniques. These innovations help women farmers make informed decisions, improve productivity, and build resilience against the effects of climate change.”
Turning to financial inclusion, Minister Mutsvangwa encouraged women to utilise credit facilities available under her ministry to start and grow their enterprises. “My ministry houses four credit facilities, namely the Women Development Fund, Zimbabwe Community Development Fund, Women’s Microfinance Bank, and SMEDCO, and is promoting financial inclusion for women,” she said. “The empowerment hub will integrate digital financing solutions to ensure that even women in remote areas can access funding through mobile platforms.”
“As we commemorate this important day, we must reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring that rural women are at the forefront of building climate resilience, strengthening food security, and conserving the resources that sustain us all.”
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