March marked a significant moment for the Federation of African Women Entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe (FAWEZI) as they attended a press conference organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises. The event, led by the Honorable Minister Monica Mutsvanga, was held in anticipation of International Women’s Day 2025, a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equality.

The press conference highlighted the government’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and empowerment, with Minister Mutsvanga outlining key priorities and progress made so far.
Here are the major takeaways from the minister’s address:
1. Education and Equal Pay
The government has implemented policies to ensure that girls have access to quality education and that women receive equal pay for equal work. These measures are critical in bridging the gender gap and creating a more equitable society. Education remains a cornerstone for empowering women and girls, enabling them to participate fully in economic and social life.
2. Gender Equality and Collaboration
Minister Mutsvanga emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and stakeholders to promote gender equality across all sectors. She called on organizations like FAWEZI to continue their efforts in advocating for women’s rights and creating opportunities for women to thrive.
3. Challenges and Progress
While significant progress has been made in advancing women’s rights, challenges remain. One of the most pressing issues is the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Currently, women hold only 24% of cabinet minister positions, falling short of the constitutional goal of 50%. The minister urged stakeholders to work together to address this gap and ensure that women’s voices are heard at all levels of decision-making.
4. Support Services for Gender-Based Violence Survivors
The government has established one-stop centers and victim-friendly services to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). These initiatives are crucial in providing safe spaces for women and girls to access legal, medical, and psychological support. Minister Mutsvanga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating GBV and creating a safer environment for all women.
5. Women’s Economic Participation
Encouraging women’s participation in leadership and economic sectors is vital for national development. The minister highlighted the need for more women to take up roles in business, politics, and other key areas to drive sustainable growth and innovation.
6. Digital Skills for Women and Girls
In today’s digital age, training women and girls in information and communication technology (ICT) is essential. The minister stressed the importance of equipping women with digital skills to enable their participation in modern business and entrepreneurship. This aligns with FAWEZI’s mission to empower women through education and skills development.
7. Invitation to International Women’s Day Celebrations
Minister Mutsvanga extended an invitation to all stakeholders, including FAWEZI, to join the International Women’s Day celebrations scheduled for March 7, 2025, in Manicaland Province. The event will be held at Munyarari School and promises to be a vibrant celebration of women’s achievements and a platform for discussing ways to accelerate gender equality.

FAWEZI’s Role in Advancing Women’s Empowerment 
As an organization dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs, FAWEZI plays a critical role in advancing the goals outlined by Minister Mutsvanga. By providing training, mentorship, and advocacy, FAWEZI empowers women to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. The organization’s participation in the press conference underscores its commitment to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Looking Ahead 
As we approach International Women’s Day 2025, the press conference served as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality. While challenges persist, the collective efforts of the government, organizations like FAWEZI, and individuals can drive meaningful change.