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Thupeyo Muleya–Beitbridge Bureau

The Young Women for Economic Development have started working on a number of initiatives that seek to unlock economic opportunities for entrepreneurs in Beitbridge.

The organisation’s local chairperson, Ms Janet Taruvinga, said since the formation of the chapter in November last year, they have been engaging businesses and other captains of industry to help the young entrepreneurs find their fit.

She said they were also mobilising women aged between 16 and 45 years to actively participate in economic activities in the area.

These include fishery, skills developments, piggery, and Boer goats production, logistics, transport, and customs and excise among others.

Ms Taruvinga made the remarks while handing over an assortment of groceries to children with special needs at the Beitbridge Mission Primary School on Friday.

The school is the only facility in the district that has boarding facilities catering for pupils living with disability and currently has 43 learners.

“We are training women entrepreneurs in Beitbridge to prepare them in using ideal business models for whatever economic ventures they wish to undertake,” said Ms Taruvinga.

“So far, we have taken some women to train on piggery projects in Norton and from there we are having goats and fisheries training among others. In some instances, the Government and other financial institutions are providing the funds and we are providing a bridge for women these institutions”.

She said they had mobilised groceries from several businesses to help the less privileged members of the community who are often overlooked by society.

Already, the youth have the full support of the Affirmative Action Group and a number of investment brokers.

Ms Taruvinga added that they were also helping young women in the area to train as professional drivers.

“We have a batch of 20 that we have assisted to acquire provisional drivers’ licenses and we are working to ensure they become professional drivers.

“At the same time, we are identifying more economic development opportunities around our district that women can take up and contribute to national economic development,” she said.

The head of Beitbridge Mission Primary School, Mrs Monica Ndlovu, said the gesture by young women was a timeous intervention considering that they were facing a number of operational challenges.

She said the learning institution was carrying the burden of most of the pupils with special needs since it was the only facility in the town.

“This is a welcome development for us. You will note that some of the children come from poor families and the parents are struggling to meet their obligations,” said Mrs Ndlovu.

Meanwhile, speaking during the recent launch of the organisation, Beitbridge Expo Chairperson, Dr Anna Muleya said it was critical for the women to embrace all opportunities that seek to develop them economically.

Already the women in Beitbridge are hopeful that the young women for economic development will help them unlock entrepreneurship opportunities.