By Staff Writer 

I have no doubt that the active participation of women in matters to do with Zimbabwe and it's economic advancement since time immemorial was rife. 

Names may simply be a few on record, but if truth be told, women have carried this country's well-being on their shoulders.

I am also quite sure that if we had to uncover all war records, the bulk of those who sacrificed their lives for Zimbabwe were women.

What makes all this an irony is the huge gap that can be seen when it comes to the empowerment of the women in Zimbabwe.

 Perhaps this is why there is a deliberate attempt to uplift the women knowing fully well that this group falls far short of their collective efforts to bring a free Zimbabwe for you and me.

In his Key Note Address during the Launch of the Presidential Women’s Empowerment Fund, His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa was quite clear that empowering women is key in shaping Zimbabwe.

President Mnangagwa did not only highlight the commitment of his Government to uplifting women but also spelt out how this would change the landscape.

He challenged those at the realm of the programme to carefully select those meant to benefit from it. 

"This groundbreaking initiative stands as a beacon of hope, that will accelerate the realisation of high-impact programmes and projects. The Presidential Women’s Empowerment Fund is designed to be a powerful engine for economic growth, social inclusion and transformation to ensure development that leaves no one and no place behind," President Mnangagwa said.

"It is befitting. It captures the critical aspects of our revolutionary mass Party’s mission, which includes the empowerment of women. When women have economic power and sustainable sources of livelihoods, we are guaranteed that families are sustained, while communities are developed, step by step, brick by brick, and stone upon stone

"Most women by nature are builders and agents of transformation. Under the guidance and leadership of the Women’s League, the women of our country will be enabled and motivated to work towards a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come. This programme is for the benefit of all the women of our country and I urge the Women’s League to take an all-inclusive approach in the identification and selection of beneficiaries of the Empowerment Fund. Women play a critical role in the maintenance of families and community values as well as nurturing and shaping future generations. To this end, by empowering women, the Party and Government, under my leadership, are investing in their personal growth and development for the well-being and prosperity of communities and the nation at large. Be assured that, as the ruling revolutionary mass Party, we continue to empower you as the women of our country, and provide you with the critical resources, support and opportunities. Our empowerment will go beyond financial support and extend to equipping you with the skills and knowledge to transform your lives and communities, beginning at the household level."

The meeting was held under the theme, "The Power of Empowered Women: Transforming lives, Transforming Societies, Towards Vision 2030."