Give women access to markets: Minister

Obey Musiwa-Herald Correspondent

THE Government should dismantle barriers that limit women’s access to markets, technology and entrepreneurial training, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has said.

This comes as the country prepares to host the 2025 Sadc Ministers of Gender and Women Affairs meeting.

Speaking at a press briefing in Harare yesterday, Sen Mutsvangwa said removing the impediments was central to advancing inclusive economic growth in the region.

“As Zimbabwe chairs this year’s Sadc meetings, we believe the region must act decisively to dismantle systematic barriers that continue to marginalise women’s access to markets, technology and vital entrepreneurship skills,” she said.

“Women, particularly those leading micro, small and medium enterprises, are the engine of our economies, yet they remain excluded from the means of production and decision-making.”

Zimbabwe will host the regional meeting from next week, with ministers of Gender and Women Affairs from Sadc member states, senior Government officials and development partners.

The meeting will run under the broader 2025 Sadc theme, “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised Sadc”.

She said the theme was timely and relevant to both Zimbabwe and the region as it shifts focus toward industrial diversification, especially in sectors like mining, ICT and manufacturing.

“This platform presents an opportunity to reflect on our progress under the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and explore innovative strategies to empower women economically,” she said.

“We must intentionally build systems that are inclusive, that recognise the unique barriers women face, and that provide sustainable solutions.”

She added that limited access to finance, markets and skills remained significant hurdles for many women, despite the numerous policy frameworks developed by Zimbabwe to address gender gaps.

“These include the National Gender Policy, the Strategy for Women in Leadership and Decision Making, and the Broad-Based Women Economic Empowerment Framework, among others. However, gaps remain. We must go further.”

The gathering is expected to review the implementation of key regional and national gender instruments such as the UNSCR 1325 National Action Plan, the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and the SADC Gender Equality Seal, a certification initiative in partnership with the UNDP.

Senator Mutsvangwa expressed hope that Zimbabwe’s experiences in promoting gender-responsive policies would serve as a useful case study for other member states.

“The meeting will also discuss strategies for enhancing women’s participation in peace and security, especially under the Regional Strategy on Women, Peace and Security, which has helped many countries, including Zimbabwe, develop National Action Plans.”

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