The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development hosted an impactful Gender Empowerment through Mentorship and Business Development Skills SME Expo at Raregold Resort, Glenforest, Harare.
The event, presided over by Chief Director Lillian Matsikira, underscored the critical role of women in driving Zimbabwe’s economic and social transformation while showcasing diverse voices and experiences from accomplished individuals.
The Expo brought together prosperous business leaders from various backgrounds, including Apostle Petunia Chiriseri of His Presence International Ministries and the CEO of Econet Wireless, Dr. Douglas Mboweni. Their powerful testimonies and practical insights inspired participants, highlighting how unique talents and strengths can propel women into leadership roles in business.
Dr. Mboweni, a renowned business leader, shared personal anecdotes emphasizing the importance of perseverance, vision, and embracing one’s God-given potential. He passionately spoke about the unique qualities women bring to the business world and urged them to step confidently into the forefront of economic activities.
Apostle Petunia Chiriseri delivered a deeply moving testimony of resilience and determination. She recounted her journey following the tragic loss of her husband in a car accident in 2016. Faced with the responsibility of supporting her family, she “manned up” and became a pillar of strength, turning her grief into a powerful motivator.
Today, she stands as a living testimony of what faith, courage, and hard work can achieve, inspiring countless women to rise above their circumstances. Her story underscored the transformative power of women in overcoming challenges to create thriving businesses that impact communities positively.
Chief Director Matsikira delivered a compelling address, reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. She highlighted key initiatives, including mentorship programs, financial inclusion mechanisms, and training in critical business skills such as marketing and digital literacy.
She emphasized the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of both men and women, urging the audience to appreciate the exceptional potential that women bring to the business landscape.
The event also featured robust discussions on mentorship and networking, with speakers emphasizing their pivotal roles in fostering collaboration and shared knowledge. By creating platforms for experienced business leaders to guide aspiring entrepreneurs, women are equipped to navigate business challenges with greater confidence and resilience. Networking opportunities allowed participants to build alliances, exchange ideas, and create pathways for growth, further strengthening their capacity to influence the broader economic landscape.
The Expo underscored the profound impact of women’s empowerment on sustainable development. The stories shared by speakers demonstrated that when women succeed in business, the ripple effects extend to families, communities, and the nation at large.
The call to action was clear: dismantle barriers, advocate for inclusive policies, and foster environments that allow women to thrive.
As Zimbabwe continues its journey toward inclusive economic growth, the empowerment of women remains at the forefront of this transformation. The Expo was a celebration of resilience, innovation, and collaboration, affirming that empowered women are indeed the cornerstone of sustainable development.
By unlocking their potential and creating pathways for success, Zimbabwe stands to benefit from a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
