Empowering Women in Zimbabwe: Ministry of Women Affairs' Initiative Yields Positive Results

Strategic Insights -

The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Zimbabwe has been actively working towards empowering women and improving their participation in the mainstream economy. According to the ministry's 2024 performance report, approximately 123,250 women have been capacitated in various sectors, including detergents and petroleum jelly making, piggery and poultry production, and beverages making. The report highlights that women empowerment projects were carried out in partnership with the Women Microfinance Bank and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation.

The capacitation programmes have shown promising results, with the Midlands province leading the way, with about 21,863 women benefiting from the initiatives. The ministry's efforts have also led to the establishment of 3,139 women empowerment clubs, with over 5,000 members capacitated and linked to funding. The training programmes covered various areas, including leadership, business skills, financial literacy, and health issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 123,250 women have been capacitated in various sectors through the Ministry of Women Affairs' initiative.
  • The capacitation programmes were conducted in partnership with the Women Microfinance Bank and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation.
  • The Midlands province has recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with 21,863 women participating in the programmes.
  • The ministry has established 3,139 women empowerment clubs, with over 5,000 members capacitated and linked to funding.
  • The training programmes covered various areas, including leadership, business skills, financial literacy, and health issues.
  • The National Handicraft Development and Marketing Centre (NHDMC) was placed under the administrative auspices of the ministry in 2023.
  • The NHDMC managed to exceed its targets in 2024, with income generated from local galleries exceeding ZWG16,081.69, and exporting sales reaching US$7,515.

Statistics:

  • Total number of women capacitated: 123,250
  • Number of beneficiaries in Midlands province: 21,863
  • Number of beneficiaries in Masvingo province: 16,817
  • Number of beneficiaries in Mashonaland West province: 14,095
  • Total number of women empowerment clubs established: 3,139
  • Number of members capacitated and linked to funding: over 5,000
  • Income generated from local galleries: ZWG345,332.68
  • Export sales: US$7,515

Sources:

  • Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Zimbabwe. 2024. Performance Report.
  • Women Microfinance Bank
  • Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO)
  • African Development Bank (AfDB)
  • International Labour Organisation (ILO)