The Sunday News
Locadia Mavhudzi, Midlands Correspondent
BUSINESSwomen in the Midlands Province are positioning themselves for growth and competitiveness despite the prevailing subdued economy because of Covid-19 and other economic pressures.
Speaking at the re-launch of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Women’s Desk in Gweru recently, Midlands Women’s desk vice-chair, Mrs Syvia Choruwa said it was high time businesswomen embraced the new norm and harness new technologies to take their businesses forward.
“We cannot continue to complain about Covid-19 but it’s time to rise and claim our space in business. Let’s look at new strategies and opportunities. The fact that borders are closed means we have to come up with home grown solutions. Let us be the manufacturers and producers. It’s a season for us to become the giant indigenous business women,” she said.
Mrs Choruwa, a celebrated businesswoman in the province, said the lockdown period has motivated her to think outside the box and start investing in rural areas. Her company, Isheanopa Group is constructing a modern shopping complex in Mberengwa.
“Investing in rural communities is not a loss neither is it a sign of backwardness. There is a growing need to provide facilities to such areas so that communities do not travel to access services. In Mberengwa, our complex will attract banks, pharmacies, shopping mall etcetera and we are definitely poised for growth. That is also in line with the decentralisation agenda of the Government,” she said.
Dr Patience Siwadi from the Midlands State University said the Government has put in place policies and programmes that support growth of local businesses.
“The Government continues to open opportunities for the empowerment of women. The Pfumvudza programme is one such where we can embrace the programme and work hard to become highly competitive farmers. Now that Covid-19 has confined us to one place, let us get busy. Manufacturing of Personal Protective Equipment and essential detergents is another booming business opportunity,” she said.
The ZNCC Women’s desk was established in 2013 to facilitate the growth of female businesses through networking and market linkages.
