Ministry Strengthens Gender Coordination Framework
The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development today convened an orientation workshop on the National Gender Machinery Coordination Framework in Harare, bringing together Government, women's rights organisations, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment.

Officially opening the workshop, the Ministry's Chief Director for Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Mrs Lillian Matsika-Takaendisa, said achieving gender equality requires strong institutions, coordinated action and effective partnerships. She reaffirmed Government's commitment to implementing the Revised National Gender Policy, National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Zimbabwe's regional and international commitments on gender equality.

Participants were oriented on the coordination framework, reviewed the proposed Civil Society Organisation Coordination Structures, and contributed to the development of harmonised data collection and reporting tools to strengthen planning, implementation, monitoring and accountability.

The workshop marks another important step towards strengthening partnerships and building a coordinated national approach to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls across Zimbabwe.

#genderequality #SustainingTheGains #GBV
Momentum continued to build today in Bindura, Mashonaland Central as the Ministry represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Mavis Sibanda joined the second and final day of the high-level Spotlight/Sustaining the Gains Mission, led by the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), and the Embassy of Switzerland.

The mission brought together key stakeholders for an in-depth field assessment of the lasting impact, achievements, and sustainability of the EU-funded Zimbabwe Spotlight Initiative.

The two-day field mission further provided an opportunity to highlight the transformative progress made in the fight against gender-based violence, as well as in the protection and empowerment of women and girls across Zimbabwe.
The One Stop Centres (OSC) in Harare and Mashonaland Central have recorded a lot of successes through provision of timely services to GBV victims with the OSC at Bindura hospital having served over 3000 survivors since its inception in 2020.

Across the two Provinces, One Stop Centres continue to bring multiple essential services together in one location, reducing the need for survivors to travel from office to office while seeking help.

Challenges faced by OSCs:
-Underreporting of GBV cases
-shortage of OSCs
-Resource constraints
-lack of digital case management systems
-unprecedented increase of GBV cases especially in Mash-Central Province.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, today attended the appointment and induction of the Boards of Trustees for 15 Community Economic Empowerment Trusts (CEETs) in Kadoma.

Hon. Mutsvangwa described the establishment of the Trusts as a significant milestone in ensuring that ordinary Zimbabweans derive meaningful benefits from the natural resources found within their communities.

She urged the newly appointed Trustees to embrace the Whole-of-Government approach, uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability and good governance, and ensure the sustainable utilisation of local resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Minister noted that the Trusts provide an opportunity to strengthen community participation in local economic development while addressing lessons learnt from previous community empowerment initiatives. She reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote inclusive development and improve the livelihoods of communities across the country.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West Province, Hon. Marian Chombo, said the Trusts would play a critical role in driving rural industrialisation, promoting value addition, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities in line with Vision 2030.

Officially commissioning the Boards of Trustees, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Mangaliso Ndlovu, said the Community Economic Empowerment Trusts are grounded in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and are guided by four pillars: true local ownership, broad-based participation, industrial localisation and economic sovereignty. He said the Trusts will help mobilise investment, establish industrial parks and Village Business Units, and promote value addition to local agricultural and mineral resources.

The induction conference was also attended by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Province, Hon. Albert Ngulube, the Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Kiven Mutimbanyoka, traditional leaders and members of the newly appointed Community Economic Empowerment Trust Boards.

#Day2 of the National Disability Expo is underway at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo Province.

#WatchNow Our Director for Gender Mainstreaming, Wellness and Inclusivity Mr Steven Nyaruwata speaking to Zimpapers TV Network Capitalk100.4FM about the Ministry’s participation at this year’s #disabilityexpo in Masvingo Province.

Since the commencement of the Expo yesterday, the Ministry has been actively engaging stakeholders and showcasing various programmes and initiatives aimed at empowering persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship, skills development, and economic inclusion.

We invite all visitors to pass through our exhibition stand and learn more about the opportunities available to support inclusive and sustainable livelihoods for all.

#NationalDisabilityExpo2026 #LeavingNoOneBehind #Vision2030 #InclusiveDevelopment

African Women Summit Zimbabwe Chapter Briefs Ministry on Women Empowerment Initiatives

The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development received a courtesy call from the African Women Summit – Zimbabwe Chapter recently during which the organisation briefed the Ministry on its women empowerment programmes and preparations for its official launch in July.

The delegation outlined initiatives aimed at advancing women's economic empowerment, addressing period poverty, promoting women's participation in agriculture and mining, strengthening healthcare access, supporting education and skills development, and expanding business opportunities for women.

The meeting also showcased innovative projects being implemented by members of the organisation, including commercial pig production, medical travel facilitation, dog breeding and a housing initiative for women.

Hon. Senator Monica Mutsvangwa commended the organisation for its commitment to empowering women and encouraged it to streamline its programmes, pursue registration as a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO), and work closely with the Ministry through an agreed work plan. She reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting initiatives that delivered measurable and sustainable outcomes for the empowerment of women.

The meeting underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing women's empowerment and contributing to Zimbabwe's inclusive socio-economic development

#SustainingTheGains #genderequality #UN #womenempowerment

The Ministry today joined a high-level Spotlight/Sustaining the Gains Mission, led by the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), and the Embassy of Switzerland, on a field tour to assess the impact and achievements of the EU-funded Zimbabwe Spotlight Initiative.

The two-day mission seeks to evaluate the programme’s progress, highlight key successes, and strengthen ongoing efforts to sustain gains made in advancing the rights, protection, and empowerment of women and girls across Zimbabwe.

The field visit kicked off with a tour of the #Zimbabwe Republic Police CID Forensics/DNA Lab, the Public Service Commission and the Epworth Safe Market, and Epworth Static #GBV One Stop Centre.

On day two, the mission will extend its visit to Mashonaland Central and tour the #GBV Static One-Stop Centre and the Feminist Knowledge Hub at the Institute of Young Women in Development (IYWD) in Bindura.

Objectives of the field mission include:
• To provide an opportunity for the mission to learn of the Spotlight Initiative’s support and ongoing work under the successor programme, Sustaining the Gains, with stakeholders and partners in Government, and communities
• To showcase the GBV-WEE nexus demonstrated through the Epworth Safe Market and One-Stop Centre model in Harare Province (Epworth)
• To provide an opportunity for the mission to hold discussions with Implementing Partners on their work, changes that have occurred, and sustainability initiatives.

UNFPA Zimbabwe
EU Delegation to Zimbabwe
Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services

As the curtain came down on the three-day National Disability Expo at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo Province today, we reflect on three inspiring days of innovation, inclusion, collaboration and empowerment.

The Disability Expo 2026 was officially launched by the Hon. Vice President Dr. K. D. C. Mohadi this afternoon.
It provided a valuable platform to showcase the talents, resilience and entrepreneurial potential of persons with disabilities, while strengthening partnerships that promote inclusive socio-economic development through #MSMEs, cooperatives, #genderequality and #CommunityEmpowerment.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all exhibitors, stakeholders, development partners and members of the public who visited our stand and contributed to the success of this important national event.

Together, let us continue building an inclusive society where every person has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive.

Leaving no one and no place behind.
#NationalDisabilityExpo2026 #Inclusion #Empowerment #Vision2030 #LeavingNoOneBehind

Bulawayo MSMEs Showcase Innovation and Growth Potential
Bulawayo's entrepreneurial spirit was on full display at the 2026 MSMEs Winter Expo, held from 25–27 June alongside the commemoration of International MSMEs Day.
Under the theme "Empowering Bulawayo MSMEs for Innovation, Jobs, Resilience and Sustainable Growth in Line with Vision 2030 and Global Trends," Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa reaffirmed Government's commitment to supporting MSMEs through improved access to finance, business formalisation, skills development, technology adoption and expanded market opportunities.

The Minister encouraged enterprises to embrace innovation, digital technologies, value addition and quality standards to enhance competitiveness and unlock opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

As preparations gather pace for the SMEs and Cooperatives Indaba on 16–17 July in Harare, Government continues to strengthen partnerships that will drive enterprise growth, job creation and sustainable economic development in line with Vision 2030.

Minister Mutsvangwa Urges Entrepreneurs to Embrace Innovation at Business Masterclass

The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, has challenged Zimbabwean entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, technology adoption and continuous learning to build competitive and sustainable enterprises capable of driving economic transformation.

Speaking at the High-Impact Business Masterclass hosted by Sharpe Business Academy in Harare under the theme “The Future of Zimbabwean Business: Growth, Wealth and Opportunity,” the Minister highlighted the critical role of MSMEs, which contribute over 60% of Zimbabwe’s GDP.
She outlined Government initiatives supporting enterprise growth, including access to finance, entrepreneurship training, financial literacy programmes, market linkages, exhibitions, trade fairs and productive workspaces.
The Minister encouraged entrepreneurs to position themselves for opportunities emerging from digital transformation, artificial intelligence and evolving market trends.

During an interactive session, entrepreneurs raised concerns around business formalisation, taxation and access to affordable workspaces. Hon. Mutsvangwa invited participants to attend the Inaugural SMEs and Cooperatives Indaba on 16–17 July 2026, urging them to join business associations so that their concerns can be addressed collectively through structured engagement.

She also encouraged entrepreneurs to comply with tax obligations, noting that tax revenue remains essential for national development and creating an enabling environment for business growth.

the Ministry joins stakeholders from across the country at the National #disabilityexpo 2026 which has officially commenced at Mucheke stadium in Masvingo Province.
We have been welcomed by the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province Hon. Ezra Chadzamira.
The Expo provides an important platform to promote inclusion, showcase the talents, innovations and entrepreneurial potential of persons with disabilities, and strengthen efforts towards building an inclusive society where no one and no place is left behind.

As a Ministry, we remain committed to empowering persons with disabilities through sustainable livelihood opportunities, enterprise development, skills training and access to economic opportunities in line with the national development agenda.

We look forward to engaging with exhibitors, partners and communities throughout this important event as we continue working together to create a more inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe for all.

#NationalDisabilityExpo2026 #DisabilityInclusion #LeavingNoOneBehind #EmpowermentForAll #Vision2030

COUNTDOWN TO THE INAUGURAL NATIONAL MSMEs AND COOPERATIVES INDABA!
Only a few weeks to go!

The countdown has begun to the Inaugural National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives Indaba, set to take place on 16–17 July 2026 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).

Click link to register:
https://indaba.greatsindustries.com/

Under the theme:
“Towards Vision 2030: Building an Enabling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives Ecosystem”, the Indaba will bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, development partners, financial institutions, industry leaders and other key stakeholders to chart a sustainable growth path for Zimbabwe’s MSME and cooperative sectors.

Highlights include:
Plenary Sessions and Technical Presentations
Exhibitions and Networking Opportunities
Launch of the National Cooperatives Policy
Launch of MSMEs and Cooperatives Month
National Presidential Awards Ceremony

Join us as we celebrate innovation, enterprise development, job creation and economic transformation towards the attainment of Vision 2030.

16–17 July 2026
08:00am
Harare International Conference Centre (HICC)

#MSMEsIndaba2026 #Cooperatives #Vision2030 #Empowerment #EnterpriseDevelopment #Zimbabwe #LeavingNoOneAndNoPlaceBehind

Minister Encourages young people to use sport as an empowerment tool

Hundreds of young athletes gathered at Munyarari High School in Zimunya-Marange District for the annual Senator Monica Mutsvangwa Sports Tournament, showcasing talent in football and netball.

Addressing participants, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa encouraged young people, especially girls, to embrace sport as a pathway to empowerment, leadership, discipline, and economic opportunities. She highlighted the role of sport in steering youths away from drug and substance abuse while creating opportunities for personal growth and professional careers.

The tournament brought together teams from Mutare North, Mutare West, and Mutare South constituencies, with winners receiving trophies, cash prizes, and sporting equipment.
The event reinforced the importance of sport as a catalyst for youth development, women's empowerment, and community transformation in Zimbabwe