President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday launched a US$3 million women’s empowerment fund aimed at supporting income-generating projects across the country’s 10 provinces, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to inclusive development under Vision 2030.
At the event, held in Harare, provincial representatives each received cheques worth US$300,000. An additional US$500,000 was also set aside for the Young Women for Economic Development (YWFED), with every province allocated US$50,000 to advance youth and women-focused initiatives.
The programme, spearheaded with the assistance of Dr Paul Tungwarara, was described as a nationwide drive to empower communities and foster unity.
“This drive of empowering people countrywide is meant for unity. Our objective is to see that every Zimbabwean is empowered by 2030. President Mnangagwa has taught us to remain united, and through this we are staying united as a country. We are not doing this to create enemies,” Dr Tungwarara said.
Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tavengwa, praised the initiative, urging the President to continue with his “mammoth task” of uplifting communities through various development projects.
Senate President Cde Mabel Chinomona commended the President for holding an interface meeting with women representatives, noting the pivotal role played by the ZANU PF Women’s League in advancing party principles and national development.
“We thank you, President Mnangagwa, for empowering us women. We are now able to sustain families and contest in elections. The Women’s League is also grateful for the quota system that has ensured representation in councils, the House of Assembly and the Senate,” she said.
Cde Chinomona further appealed for the capacitation of the Women’s Bank to ensure wider access to loans and called for urgent action to address drug shortages in hospitals and clinics. She also expressed gratitude for 10 brand-new vehicles to be distributed across provinces and for a motor vehicle handed to Mr Chadambura, who trains women in poultry production nationwide.
Defence Minister and ZANU PF National Chairperson, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, echoed the sentiments, commending women for effectively implementing empowerment projects.
“Your Excellency, these women before us are your steadfast foot soldiers. They stood with us during the liberation struggle and today they stand with you in full support,” she said.
President Mnangagwa, accompanied by Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, led the handover process, underscoring Government’s push to strengthen livelihoods and promote grassroots economic development.
The empowerment fund comes as part of wider national efforts to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, with emphasis on inclusive participation of women, youth, and marginalized communities.
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