Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev.

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women-led manufacturing businesses through inclusive financing models and policies that promote industrial growth.

Speaking at the launch of the Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing (ZWIM) Association on behalf of Hon. Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, Deputy Minister Hon. Kiven Mutimbanyoka described the occasion as a major step towards women’s empowerment, development, and inclusive .

“Today is more than the launch of an organisation; it is the birth of a movement that positions women at the centre of Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda,” said Hon. Mutsvangwa.

The launch brought together Government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and the Ambassador of China to , Mr. Zhou Ding, who pledged continued cooperation to strengthen industrial partnerships and support women entrepreneurs.

ZWIM seeks to advance the interests of in manufacturing and increase their participation as key drivers of economic growth in line with

Zimbabwe Renews Commitment to Ending Period Poverty

Government today reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl has access to affordable menstrual health products, information and services during the National Launch of World Menstrual Health Day 2026 held in Murewa, Mashonaland East Province.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, Director of Women Affairs Mrs Julia Mapungwana highlighted the importance of collective action in ending period poverty, breaking menstrual stigma and promoting dignity for women and girls.

The commemorations, held under the theme "Together for a ", brought together Government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, young people and the private sector to advocate for improved menstrual health and hygiene.

The event also saw vulnerable girls and female inmates receiving dignity packs, while exhibitors showcased products and services aimed at promoting menstrual health. Participants called for increased access to menstrual products, improved sanitation facilities and greater male involvement in supporting menstrual dignity.

Together, we can create a future where no girl misses school, no woman is left behind, and every period is managed with dignity.

📍 Murehwa is the place to be today as we join the global community in commemorating International Menstrual Health Day under the theme: “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”

We are proud to be partnering with ShamwariYemwanasikana and Population Services Zimbabwe in raising awareness on menstrual health, dignity, education, and access to menstrual products for all.

Menstruation is a natural part of life—not a source of shame. Today, we are amplifying the conversation, challenging harmful stigma and discrimination, and calling on governments, schools, communities, families, and organisations to play their part in creating a world where every girl and woman can manage her period with dignity and confidence.

Together, we can break the silence, end period poverty, and build a period-friendly world for everyone. 💜🩸

Govt Calls for Action on Family Inequalities, Child Wellbeing

LUPANE – Government has called for intensified efforts to address family inequalities and safeguard child wellbeing, amid growing concerns over poverty, unemployment, drug and substance abuse, and climate-induced vulnerabilities affecting families across the country.
Speaking at the 2026 International Day of Families National Commemorations and the Matabeleland North Business Expo in Lupane on Thursday, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, said family inequalities continue to undermine children's welfare and development.The commemorations were held under the theme “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.”
Hon. Mutsvangwa said inequalities in access to education, healthcare, food security, shelter and economic opportunities expose children to risks such as school dropouts, child labour, child marriages, substance abuse and poor health outcomes.
She said the Second Republic, under the leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, remains committed to improving the welfare of families through inclusive socio-economic development programmes anchored on Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2.
Hon. Mutsvangwa expressed concern over the rising cases of drug and substance abuse, describing the scourge as a major threat to family stability and child wellbeing.She urged parents and communities to play a more active role in protecting children and youths from the dangers associated with substance abuse while promoting strong family values.
Hon. Mutsvangwa further stressed the need to promote social inclusion and equal opportunities for all children regardless of gender, disability, social status or geographical location.
Turning to economic development, the Minister commended the contribution of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives to the national economy, noting that the sector employs more than 70 percent of Zimbabwe's workforce and contributes over 60 percent to Gross Domestic Product.
She said the Matabeleland North Business Expo provides a platform for MSMEs to create business linkages, market their products and network with key stakeholders.
Hon. Mutsvangwa encouraged entrepreneurs to improve product quality, packaging and labelling in preparation for regional and international export markets, including opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In his welcome remarks, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North Province, Hon. Richard Moyo, commended the Ministry for selecting the province to host the national commemorations, saying the event provided an important platform for dialogue on strengthening families and building productive communities.
Representatives from various Government ministries and organisations also underscored the importance of family wellbeing in national development.
Ministry of Health and Child Care representative Mr Bright Sibanda said healthy families form the foundation of healthy communities and a healthy nation, while Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education representative Mr Lovemore Ncube described families as the first institutions where children learn values, respect and culture.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare representative Ms Priscilla Chaparira highlighted Government support programmes such as the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), which continue to assist vulnerable children and strengthen households.
Chief Mabhikwa Khumalo also called for increased protection of children from child marriages, gender-based violence and drug abuse, while advocating for expanded vocational training opportunities for young people in the province.
In moving the vote of thanks, President of the Council of Chiefs Chief Lucas Mtshane Khumalo said strong families remain central to community development and nation-building.The event concluded with Hon. Mutsvangwa officially launching the 2026 International Day of Families National Commemorations and the Matabeleland North Business Expo.

🌟 DAY 2 IS HERE! 🌟

The excitement continues at the Matabeleland North–Lupane SMEs Expo as exhibitors, , cooperatives, , and partners from across the Province and beyond gather to connect, showcase, and grow!

🚀 Come and experience the innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that make Matabeleland North a hub of business excellence. Let’s shine the spotlight on Lupane District and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our local businesses.

📅 Tomorrow, Friday 29 May 2026, the Ministry will officially launch this year’s International Day of Families under the theme:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing”

Join us as we commemorate this important day, engage in meaningful discussions, and celebrate the vital role families play in building strong communities.

✨ Networking. Innovation. Inspiration. Celebration.

📍 Be part of the action.
📍 Be part of the conversation.
📍 Be part of the future.



SMEDCO

The Matabeleland North-Lupane , which commenced today, brought together MSMEs, the business community, academia, and financial institutions to engage in constructive dialogue, networking, and collaboration aimed at promoting the growth of the sector in the province.

The two-day kicked off with a business conference organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development brought together the MSMEs, the business community, academia, and financial institutions.

The main theme of the business conference challenged the sector in Matabeleland North to embrace innovation, formalisation, collaboration, and continuous learning in order to drive the growth of the provincial economy.

It also urged women entrepreneurs to play their part in the growth of small and medium enterprises and engage actively in the establishment of firm businesses in the Province.

Attendees of the business conference were treated to a cocktail of informative and engaging presentations from organizations which include the Procurement Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), NSSA and SMEDCO

Minister Mutsvangwa Hails Traditional Cookout Competitions as Catalyst for Community Empowerment

Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutsvangwa has hailed the National Traditional Cookout Competitions as a powerful tool for community empowerment, cultural preservation and economic development.
In remarks read on her behalf by Permanent Secretary Dr Mavis Sibanda during the 6th National Traditional Cookout Finals in Kwekwe held on Africa Day in Midlands Province, Minister Mutsvangwa said the initiative had grown into a national platform promoting livelihoods, nutrition and gastronomy tourism.
She commended First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for championing indigenous foods and preserving Zimbabwe’s culinary heritage, saying the programme now includes youths, chefs, churches, inmates and persons with disabilities.
The First Lady said traditional dishes such as madora, matemba and mapfura wine were gaining regional and international recognition, positioning gastronomy tourism as a key driver of national development.
Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi praised Dr Mnangagwa for elevating Zimbabwean culture globally, while Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Ambassador Fredrick Shava said the competitions were advancing Education 5.0 by equipping students with entrepreneurial skills.
Former inmate and 2024 winner Knowledge Chirenje said the competition transformed his life after he established a traditional food business following his release from prison.
Top winners received cash, a four-plate gas stove and trophies, while SMEs showcased locally produced products during the event attended by Government officials, diplomats, traditional leaders and community members.