Zimbabwe unveils revised framework to empower wome...

Zimbabwe unveils revised framework to empower women economically

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development has launched a revised National Broad-Based Women's Economic Empowerment Framework (NBBWEEF), a strategic initiative aimed at advancing women's economic participation and promoting gender equality in Zimbabwe.

Speaking at a validation workshop in Harare on Wednesday, Minister Monica Mutsvangwa emphasized that the updated framework is a crucial step towards achieving Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (NDS 1 and 2). The framework seeks to address longstanding barriers that have hindered women's full participation in the economy, such as cultural norms, unpaid domestic work, gender discrimination, and limited access to entrepreneurial skills and resources.

The revised NBBWEEF sets a roadmap for empowering women by fostering collaboration with key stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, to address cultural barriers and ensure successful implementation. Minister Mutsvangwa underscored the importance of data-driven analysis in shaping policies and interventions under the framework.

Beyond economic empowerment, the framework highlights the broader societal impact of empowering women, stressing that it can improve access to essential services such as health care, education, and leadership opportunities. Mutsvangwa urged more women to pursue leadership roles, particularly in politics, where they can advocate for essential community services.

The revised framework comes at a time when Zimbabwe is making strides towards inclusive development, recognizing that empowering women is a critical component of achieving sustainable economic growth. The Ministry plans to monitor the framework's progress and adapt strategies to ensure it meets its goals under the Vision 2030 agenda.