Ambassador of the European Union to Zimbabwe Jobst Von Kirchmann and Minister of women Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Monica Mutsvangwa at the Epworth event
By George Swarei
Epworth, 27th March 2024 – In a vibrant celebration of International Women’s Day, Team Europe, in collaboration with Switzerland, orchestrated a memorable event in Epworth, Zimbabwe. The gathering convened an array of stakeholders, including government officials, EU Ambassadors, UN representatives, and members of civil society, to underscore the collective commitment towards advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
At the heart of the event stood Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, whose presence symbolized the government’s dedication to gender inclusivity. She was joined by EU Ambassador H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann, whose poignant remarks highlighted Team Europe’s unwavering support for women’s rights in Zimbabwe.
The focal point of the occasion was the inauguration of the ‘Safe Market,’ a pioneering initiative aimed at providing women with violence-free spaces to conduct their economic activities. This innovative concept not only serves as a testament to Team Europe’s commitment but also underscores the significance of creating conducive environments for women to thrive.
Empowering Women Through Economic Independence
Central to the discussions were initiatives geared towards enhancing women’s economic empowerment. The Ministry of Women Affairs presented its strategic roadmap, emphasizing the pivotal role of financial independence in fostering gender parity. EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann reiterated Team Europe’s dedication to Women’s Economic Empowerment under the Team Europe Initiative on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (TEI – GEWE).
Highlighting the financial backing for these initiatives, Ambassador Kirchmann outlined the substantial investments made by Team Europe, totaling over EUR 270 million. This financial support underscores the collaborative efforts of EU member states, including Sweden, Ireland, Germany, The Netherlands, France, and Switzerland, in advancing women’s rights and economic opportunities.
Tangible Results and Partnerships
Acknowledging the impactful outcomes achieved through collaborative endeavors, Ambassador Kirchmann commended the results of the Spotlight Initiative, which had significantly contributed to combating gender-based violence and promoting women’s economic independence. The Epworth market, hailed as a safe haven for women, serves as a tangible manifestation of the positive outcomes arising from strategic partnerships and dedicated efforts towards gender inclusivity.
Fatou Lo, UN Women Country Representative, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of safe public spaces in fostering women’s progress and resilience. The market, she asserted, stands as a beacon of hope, reflecting the fortitude and tenacity of women in Zimbabwe.
Voices of Empowerment: Women’s Stories
A pivotal component of the event was the platform provided to women stallholders to share their empowerment journeys. Their stories resonated with resilience, determination, and a shared vision for a brighter future. From accessing financial resources to venturing into diverse markets, these narratives underscored the transformative impact of empowerment initiatives on women’s lives and livelihoods.
Representatives from financial institutions, including NMB and The Women’s Business Owners Trust, emphasized the importance of accessible markets and financial literacy in enabling women to thrive as entrepreneurs. Their insights highlighted the symbiotic relationship between economic empowerment and sustainable development.
A Call to Action: Investing in Women
In his intervention, Ambassador Kirchmann articulated Team Europe’s commitment to investing in women as a catalyst for societal progress. Drawing parallels between economic investments and societal advancement, he underscored the pivotal role of women in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
Through targeted interventions and capacity-building initiatives, Team Europe aims to equip women with the tools and resources needed to realize their full potential. From facilitating access to finance to promoting entrepreneurship and vocational training, these initiatives seek to create an enabling environment for women to thrive in diverse sectors of the economy.
Harnessing Collective Action for Change
The event served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of collective action in advancing gender equality. Government officials, civil society representatives, and development partners came together to reaffirm their commitment to women’s rights and empowerment.
As Ambassador Kirchmann aptly stated, “Empowering women is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic imperative and a prerequisite for sustainable development.” In harnessing the collective efforts of diverse stakeholders, Team Europe seeks to accelerate progress towards gender equality and inclusive development in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As the event drew to a close, the resounding message of hope and resilience reverberated throughout Epworth. The strides made in advancing women’s rights and empowerment serve as a testament to the transformative potential of collective action and strategic partnerships.
As we look towards the future, Team Europe remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting women’s rights and empowerment initiatives. Through sustained investments, strategic partnerships, and collaborative efforts, we aspire to create a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, succeed, and realize her full potential.
In commemorating International Women’s Day, Team Europe reaffirms its unwavering commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development. Together, we stand united in our pursuit of a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
