Partnerships drive women empowerment efforts
As the second edition of the Organisation of Women in International Trade (Owit) Zimbabwe’s annual Open Market Day and Exhibition roars into life, various stakeholders have commended the initiative for its aptness and relevance towards women emancipation.
The annual and national showcase, which is sponsored by Ecobank Zimbabwe through their Ellevate initiative is supported by the Women Affairs, Community, Small to Medium Enterprises Development ministry and it started last year with the first event held at Ecobank Borrowdale gardens, drawing over 100 women exhibitors.
The second edition will be held in Bulawayo on April 5 at the Large City Hall and over 500 exhibitors are expected to participate from all over the country with a view to give women an opportunity to show up and be counted through presenting their skill, innovation and intelligence in the world of enterprise.
Speaking to this publication, OWIT Zimbabwe president Buhlebenkosi Ostlea Nyathi hailed the open market day and exhibition tripartite incorporating her organisation and the Women Affairs, Community to Small Enterprise Development ministry and fully sponsored by Ecobank Zimbabwe through their Ellevate initiative.
“We are all about growing markets, growing productivity and growing the individual female trader,” she said.
“We are happy that the open market day and exhibition have become a national and annual initiative designed to make a lasting impression on the lives of female entrepreneurs.
“We are grateful to our sponsors Ecobank Zimbabwe for the financial support that has made this initiative a national success which is generating interest from all over Zimbabwe.
“We are getting enquiries daily and this speaks to the relevance of this programme.
“Equally important is the support from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development which has helped bring convergence to our programmes and the good work being done by government in empowering women.”
Women Affairs, Community, Small to Medium Enterprise Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa, who will be the guest of honour at the Bulawayo event, hailed the initiative and pledged continued government support towards the initiative.
“This Open Market Day and Exhibition is a good business networking and marketing opportunity for women in business and we are happy that OWIT Zimbabwe with support from Ecobank Zimbabwe is promoting women excellence and productivity,” she said.
“Our government is doing all it can to ensure that no place and no individual is left behind in the quest for national development hence we have continued to support and be part of all ongoing initiatives to promote national development as promulgated by the President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We also thank Ecobank Zimbabwe for complementing government efforts through strategic partnerships with progressive organisations like OWIT Zimbabwe.”
Founder of Empowered Women Sibonokuhle Buhlungu whose women membership-based organisation was also part of the 2023 edition of the open market day and exhibition also thanked Ecobank, OWIT Zimbabwe and the ministry for the consistency in promoting women excellence.
“For a long time, women have borne the brunt of social, economic and political exclusion but we are happy that our government is partnering private organisations in ensuring that no woman is left behind in the quest for individual as well national economic development,” she said.
“There is power in forging strategic partnerships that can help eradicate poverty and ensure sustainable business operations which contribute to the growth of the economy and we will definitely be part of the Bulawayo edition this year.
“We are grateful to OWIT Zimbabwe, Ecobank Zimbabwe and the government through the Ministry for this tailor-made initiative towards women empowerment.”
In a statement, Ecobank Zimbabwe said they were happy to play their part in developing the capacity of women to achieve excellence and productivity in all their pursuits through their Ellevate initiative.
“As Ecobank Zimbabwe, we have the Ellevate programme specifically designed to financially include women,” reads part of the statement.
“This programme answers to the RBZ requirements but it’s also coming from our own conviction as a community driven organisation and a caring brand.
“The Bulawayo Open market day exhibition is thus a welcome development in our women empowerment pursuits.
“We believe in the power and potential of women and we are proud to have a women specific desk at Ecobank Zimbabwe so that we are better positioned to assist women in their pursuit of personal and business growth.
“This is our way of giving back to the community and supporting national development.”
The Bulawayo Open Market Day and Exhibition is open to all women entrepreneurs as well as organisations working towards women emancipation.
Participation is free but to register, one must be an Ecobank account holder or they should open one at their nearest branch to get a free exhibition stand where they can showcase and sell products from throughout the day long programme.