Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Angeline Masuku, has urged the Women and Youth Affairs ministry and women’s organisations to work hand in hand as they strive to empower women.
BY ALEXIS SIBANDA
Speaking at Njube Hall in Bulawayo on Wednesday at the belated Women’s Day commemorations, Masuku said the government was committed to empowering women.
“The government of Zimbabwe has shown commitment in achieving women empowerment through the signing and ratification of a number of regional and international conventions that aim to promote and acknowledge the rights of women and achieve gender quality as women constitute about 525 of the Zimbabwe population,” she said.
Masuku said women’s participation in the economy needed to graduate from mere rhetoric and wishful thinking to practical application and inclusion.
“It is now common knowledge that the development process and any efforts to end poverty cannot be achieved if women are kept at the periphery of programmes and processes meant to grow economies and turn the world into a better place for the entire human race,” she said.
The Provincial Affairs minister added that eradication of poverty and economic empowerment of women were the chief cornerstones for achieving gender equality.
“Empowering women to participate fully in economic activities is essential in building stronger economies and improving the quality of life for women, men, families and communities as a whole,” she said.
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Masuku added that women should be co-drivers and benefactors of Zimbabwe’s economic development process.
“Key players in the private sector should walk the talk with the government in increasing the meaningful participation of women in business for the purpose of Zimbabwe’s economic development and women’s economic development.”
She said empowering women and strengthening women’s participation in decision making is at the heart of socio-economic development.
