Stanley Chirimbani

The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Advocate Misheck Mugadza commended the United Methodist Church (UMC) for actively promoting women’s empowerment by integrating spiritual support with tangible socio-economic opportunities that promote economic development and reduce vulnerability of women to abuse.

This was said recently during the UMC Zimbabwe East Annual Conference (ZEAC) Ruwadzano RweMadzimai (RRW) Business Expo held at Meikles Park that was organized in collaboration with the micro finance firm, Shekinah Empowerment Finance and other stakeholders in the banking sector. The event was meant to empower women and ensure inclusion.

Minister Mugadza (with scarf) with Mutare District Connectional Ministries (CM) director Reverend Preston Majoni (extreme right) touring the exhibition stands.

“It’s encouraging to see churches empowering their members to participate in productive economic activities and exhibitions that showcase Zimbabwe’s development. Such initiatives promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and community empowerment, while also creating opportunities for women and other members of society to contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth. This includes empowerment of both rural and urban women and promoting home industry, which is in line with the mantra of our President, His Excellency Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa of inclusivity and leaving no one behind,” said Minister Mugadza in a sideline interview after touring the exhibitions.

He also encouraged other churches to emulate the initiative by actively supporting women economic empowerment for national development. He added that the participation of churches in such programmes demonstrates the important role that faith-based organizations can play in fostering sustainable incomes and community development.

City of Mutare Mayor Simon Chabuka

Mutare Mayor Simon Chabuka who was also the guest of honor at the event congratulated the organizers for providing a platform that showcases the achievements and potential of women in business.

He highlighted the significant role women entrepreneurs play in society, noting that they are not only building successful businesses, but also fending for their families and creating employment opportunities that reduce poverty and contribute to the socio-economic growth in communities.

“This platform recognizes the strength, creativity and determination of women entrepreneurs.  I encourage you women to remain encouraged in your businesses and make use of this platform to learn and network,” said the Mayor.

Mayor Chabuka added that laziness in women destroys marriages because most men want hard working women that complement their efforts as breadwinners, which is why there is the Shona saying ‘musha mukadzi.’ He also encouraged participants to remain committed to their entrepreneurial journey despite challenges.

He also reaffirmed the City of Mutare’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, recognizing their contribution to the local economy. Chabuka emphasized that the success of women-owned businesses is directly linked to the city’s economic growth and development.

Minister Mugadza (with scarf) with Rev Dr Machinga (second from right) and other dignitaries at the business expo.

The UMC Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana Episcopal area, RRW president Reverend Dr Mazvita Machinga thanked all the women who travelled from different districts to attend and make the event a success.

“Almost every district was represented. Although a few districts were unable to come, we believe they will join us next time. We are happy with the good turnout and appreciate the commitment shown by all the women who came. This event is meant to empower women. We are pleased that opportunities are available for everyone, including women living with disabilities. Every woman deserves equal opportunities and inclusion. As women of the United Methodist Church, let us continue to work together, support one another and start projects that improve our lives. Let us make sure that no one is left behind. We hope to meet again next year in June because this will become an annual event. Next time, may we come in greater numbers and continue growing together. Finally, we thank our Bishop (Rev Dr Gift Kudakwashe Machinga) for supporting this vision. Let us continue to stand together as women and build a brighter future for ourselves and our communities,” said Rev Dr Machinga

Ecobank Mutare customer service manager William Muhwati said they realized a lot of women were marginalized, so they came up with their collateral free loans for women led businesses.

“We realized a lot of women were marginalized when it comes to accessing finances. We therefore signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Methodist Church’s RRW to run a programme for women with favourable lending rates, tailored payment solutions and capacity building training when they open an account with us. Through this MOU we are exploring how we can help RRW women in their income generating projects, not just big projects but also micro projects. We also hope the women here will make use of this platform to network and get inspired,” said Muhwati.

One of the exhibition stands at the expo showcasing locally made products by women enterprises.

Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprises Development Manicaland provincial development officer, Gabriel Jaji implored other churches to make use of their Ministry on women empowerment training programmes which are conducted for free.

“As a Ministry, in Manicaland we are happy with this partnership with UMC’s RRW. Ever-since we started training women at Hilltop Methodist in Sakubva, we now have 20 women with formally registered businesses and about 10 women who now have businesses with a turnover that exceeds US$1000 per month, who started their businesses from scratch after our trainings. Our trainings are free, so all churches, please feel free to make use of us whenever you have functions. This empowerment initiative is in line with government’s vision of creating an upper middle income society by 2030,” said Jaji.

Mutare based mental health and rehabilitation clinic, Psychotherapy Care and Counseling Services (PCCS), founded by Dr Machinga that exhibited, also had the opportunity to talk about its mental health and counseling services. They said they have family education seminars for families grappling with issues of drug and substance abuse, which is a topical issue in the country these days. The organization that has been running psychotherapy and counseling services for over 20 years said mental health concerns are now critical present-day, especially for mothers that run the home and spend more time with the children, as well as in workplaces where both men and women spend most of their time working for their families.

ZEAC has seven districts and six were represented at the expo. The event also attracted organisations such as the Manicaland chamber for SMEs, National Social Security Authority (NSSA), Nyaradzo Funeral Services, National Building Society (NBS) and CABS, to mention a few, and a wide range of other micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The expo was described as an important opportunity for women to learn from each other, expand their networks, market their products and establish partnerships that help grow their business ventures.