Stakeholders and policy makers among them Women Affairs, Community, Small to Medium Enterprises Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa have commended the partnership between the Organisation for Women in International Trade – OWIT Zimbabwe and Ecobank Zimbabwe aimed at empowering women so that they can play an active role in women empowerment to ensure sustainable community and national development.
Speaking at a recent Open Market Day and Exhibition organized by OWIT-Zimbabwe in partnership with Ecobank Zimbabwe in Harare, Mutsvangwa said women play an important role in developing the family, the community and the nation at large, hence it is important that they are not left behind in all empowerment and capacity development initiatives.
“Women play an important role in national development and as the minister responsible for women empowerment as well as community and small to medium enterprise development, I am happy that OWIT-Zimbabwe has partnered Ecobank Zimbabwe for this powerful open market day and exhibition for women in enterprise.
The President has consistently spoken about leaving no place and no one behind and I am happy that we have caring brands like Ecobank Zimbabwe and OWIT Zimbabwe that are partnering for a worthy cause especially as we work towards attaining the objectives of NDS 1 and Vision 20130. I personally love women empowerment and I am happy that the ministry is here in full force to support this initiative,” she said.
Ecobank Zimbabwe Board Chairperson Florence Sigudu said they are happy to play their part in developing the capacity of women towards excellence and productivity in all their pursuits.
“As Ecobank Zimbabwe, we have the Ellevate programme specifically designed to financially include women. This programme answers to the RBZ requirements but its also coming from our own conviction as a community driven organisation and a caring brand.
We believe in the power and potential of women and we are proud to have a women specific desk at Ecobank Zimbabwe so that we are better positioned to assist women in their pursuits of personal and business growth. This is our way of giving back to the community and supporting national development,” Sigudu said.
Sigudu’s sentiments were echoed by Ecobank Zimbabwe Head Branch Network Tayesa Banda who said the Ellevate initiative was also an acknowledgement of the important role that women play in the economic outlook of the country.
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“Ellevate by Ecobank is a gender-based financing product which was developed to highlight the main barriers and opportunities in advancing the entrepreneurial spirit of women.
Women constitute over 50% of the Zimbabwe population therefore it only makes sense to support this group of people. Through this product we seek to dialogue on how we can all unleash the full potential of women together with you all our partners,’ she said.
“Beyond giving a platform for women to showcase their work, the open Market Day and Exhibition also help facilitate ideas exchange and experience for women in enterprise so that they get ahead and stay ahead.
This exhibition also facilitates growth through shared experiences of women entrepreneurs who have overcome barriers to growth in business and taken the opportunities they had to propel their business ahead. We are targeting women as entrepreneurs as well as businesses with a focus on women to provide solutions to their challenges and unleash their entrepreneurial potential. “Ellevate” by Ecobank seeks to bridge some of these identified challenges that women face and proffer solutions to same,” she said.
OWIT Zimbabwe President Buhlebenkosi Nyathi also took the opportunity to highlight the potential of Zimbabwe’s young women and their pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation’s economy.
“The engagement of young women at this level IS indicative of the significant progress taking place within the Zimbabwean economy I am optimistic about the future and prospects for growth.
The Open Market Day and Exhibition is all about fostering collaborations and facilitating trade, with the goal of generating increased export revenue. I am grateful to Ecobank Zimbabwe for making this event possible and even more grateful to the Ministry led by Honourable Mutsvangwa for their support and commitment to this noble cause,” she said.
An exhibitor and participant at the event Lorraine Guyo who is an entrepreneur and brand influencer also thanked Ecobank and OWIT-Zimbabwe for the noble pact.
“This is a season for women in enterprise to get ahead and stay ahead and I am thankful for this noble pact between Ecobank Zimbabwe and OWIT-ZIMBABWE aimed at empowering women.
This was a good platform to network, share ideas and experiences. For that reason, I am thankful to these caring brands and the Ministry for empowering us. The future looks bright and I was even more encouraged by the assurance to continue with this drive,” she said.
Empowered Women founder and visionary Sibonokuhle Buhlungu who leads a 500 plus network of women in business also applauded the initiative and thanked OWIT-Zimbabwe and Ecobank for joining forces to celebrate and empower women in business.
“Women play an important role in community and national development and for that reason I am grateful to both Ecobank and OWIT Zimbabwe for sparing a thought for us especially as we commemorate Breast Cancer awareness month.
I am even more thankful to the Ministry of Women Affairs here represented by Honourable Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa for their commitment and pledge to serve the interests of women. Through such support and leveraging, we can achieve a lot as women,” she said.
The event which was attended by over 200 people created an opportunity for networking, formation of new partnerships and relationships amongst the women.
Those that came were exposed to a diverse range of home-made products which meet international standards while the various guest speakers implored women to embrace excellence and productivity in all they are doing.
