Harare, Zimbabwe (December 6, 2023) - The Zimbabwe Women Agribusiness Network (ZWAN) officially launched today
The Zimbabwe Women Agribusiness Network (ZWAN) officially launched today with strong backing from the government, marking a significant milestone in empowering women in the agricultural sector.
The launch event, held in Harare, was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Davis Marapira. He pledged the government's continued support for women in agriculture and culinary arts, highlighting the critical role they play in achieving food security and economic growth.
"If you educate a woman, you educate a family (nation)," Deputy Minister Marapira stated, quoting an African proverb. He further emphasized the importance of ZWAN in fostering female participation in farming, enhancing economic growth, and creating more sustainable food systems.
ZWAN is a food festival and networking platform specifically designed for women in agriculture. It aims to showcase their skills and talents in both farming and culinary art, while promoting women's empowerment and addressing gender inequalities within the agribusiness sector.
Deputy Minister Marapira outlined several concrete ways the government will support ZWAN and its members. This includes:
- Capacity Building: Providing training and resources to help women develop their skills and knowledge in agriculture and business.
- Gender-Sensitive Policies: Mainstreaming gender considerations into national and sectoral policies and legislation, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources for women farmers.
- Financial Inclusion: Facilitating access to financing for women through dedicated programs and partnerships with financial institutions.
- Land Ownership: Supporting women's land ownership rights and ensuring their access to land resources.
- Community Development: Implementing projects like borehole drilling, community gardens, and irrigation scheme revitalization, particularly targeting female farmers in rural areas.
Recognizing the need for broader support, Deputy Minister Marapira also called upon stakeholders in the agriculture sector to partner with ZWAN. He specifically urged seed houses, fertilizer companies, banks, civil society organizations, and academic institutions to lend their expertise and resources.
"Empowering women in agriculture will make it possible to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger by 2030," he declared. "Eradicating poverty is essential, and through ZWAN's initiatives, we can achieve this goal and create a brighter future for all."
The launch event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Mrs. Sara Maite Daniel Tivera (First Secretary of Women's League of Mocambica in Zimbabwe), ZWAN Executive Director Mrs. Phillipa Jaya, representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs and other government departments, CEOs of various organizations, and women farmers from across Zimbabwe.
With government support and broader stakeholder involvement, ZWAN has the potential to significantly impact the lives of women in agriculture and contribute to a more prosperous and food-secure Zimbabwe.
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