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Tendai Gukutikwa Mutare Correspondent

The Mutare chapter of the Young Women for Economic Development (YW4ED) has been launched as women in Manicaland heed the Government’s call for inclusive participation in the country’s economic turnaround, in the process leading to the attainment of Vision 2030.

Vision 2030, entails the creation of a middle upper income class and women are a critical mass in its achievement.

YW4ED targets women aged between 18 and 45 and the uptake in Manicaland is expected to see many women in the province participate in mining, agriculture and manufacturing, among others.

Speaking at the launch Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa  urged young women under YW4ED Mutare Chapter, to heed President Mnangagwa’s call for citizens to partner with investors and experts as they venture into business.

She said forming consortiums and teaming up with other young women will attract the rightful investors.

“As young women, you should heed the President’s call and look for investors to invest in your business. Partner with agricultural experts and go into farming. You will see that the country’s economy needs the agricultural sector for us to achieve Vision 2030,” she said.

Sen Mutsvangwa said under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic was performing well thus the need for YW4ED members to complement his efforts as they conduct their business.

“Previously, in Agriculture alone the country was using hard earned foreign currency to buy maize but under the new dispensation, this farming season we used climate proofed agriculture and yielded more than we had bargained for. The country yielded 3,7 metric tonnes of maize, which is more than what the whole country consumes a year.

“As YW4ED, an organisation that is comprised of the young generation, I hope you see this great leadership of our president and help compliment him. Ask yourself on what it is that you can do for the country, take it up and prove yourself,” she said.

“Partnerships are important so if you own a farm and there is a deep pocket partner whom you have found, partner with them and better the country’s economy,” she said.

nformation, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa (wearing blue mask) with the Manicaland Chapter of the Young Women for Economic Development (YW4ED)leadership yesterday.

She further challenged the women to empower other women by creating jobs.

Sen Mutsvangwa further urged young women to come out of their comfort zones and embrace empowerment as they have the power to revive the economy.

She also urged the YW4ED members to take up decision making positions.

“You should demand what is rightfully yours and take up decision making positions as young women.

“Start businesses, get into farming and mining, do not wait for someone to come and rope you in because no one is going to do that. Partner a fellow young woman and infiltrate those industries,” she said.

Mashonaland East Proportional Representation Member of Parliament Tatenda Mavetera said YW4ED members should contribute to the economic dispensation of the country, while at the same time embracing inclusivity and unity.

She challenged young women to empower each other by teaming up and working together rather than working alone.

“As YW4ED we believe in teamwork and therefore encourage our young women to team up with other young women as they contribute to the economic development. As young women, we should not pull each other down but empower the next women as we strive to bring change within the economy of the country,” she said.

Hon Mavetera stated that the initiative is open to all young women of Zimbabwe regardless of their social standing or political party membership.

“This is an apolitical initiative where we strive to empower every young woman interested in joining. Let us work together and involve ourselves in the economic dispensation of this country,” she said.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial and Devolution Affairs, Minister Nokuthula Matsikenyiri encouraged the women present to participate in the drive towards inclusivity and mainstream economic activities across all sectors of the economy.

“The Government has a thrust on economic development and as young women you should strive to compliment it by taking up positions that drive the economy. You should emulate Government’s efforts of reviving the economy and if you do that, we will achieve Vision 2030 of a middle-income economy,” she said.