Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru- Ebenezzar Women Social Entrepreneurship Trust (EWSET) has said women empowerment was one of the major solutions to fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and urged women to support each other in all spheres of life.
The call was made by Women in Communities Programs Officer, Priscilla Sibangani EWSET’s second soap and Vaseline making training of 22 participants in Mkoba North.
Sibangani said it was important for women to be found everywhere and take centre participation in things so that we drive the community forward.
“If a woman is empowered we reduce GBV, we are guaranteed of the wellness of the family. There is equal voice in decision making processes. “GBV is a cancer in society, its being fuelled by the lack of empowerment of a woman. A woman as a mother must get access to resources to feed her family properly.
“Being depended has led women to a number of challenges we are facing. I am happy that Ebenezzar has come on the fore front to empower and train us so that we generate revenue for ourselves. A marriage certificate can be terminated anytime and without notice but knowledge can’t be terminated.” Said Sibangani.
She said there was need for women to be active in all decision making programmes like politics saying they ought to do whatever men do.
“We need to improve our self-esteem as ladies, we must always know that we can do it and we reach everywhere because what men can do women can do it. Negative factors will push us back as a people and particularly women. Let’s promote and support women and even each other because if we don’t no one can support us,”
“We want you to lead in politics and leadership, if we don’t claim political position we will continue to look at men as our saviours. Invest much in the girl child through education,” said Sibangani.
She bemoaned the rise in records of Gender Based Violence in the communities which she said was worrisome.
Speaking at the same event, Financial Expert, Jonathan Rukawu emphasized on the need for women to prioritize their health.
“We can’t do business if our health is not in good condition , let’s prioritize our health to push well in business. Go and get tested for Covid, HIV and Cancer,”
“If you are ill you cannot work, you cannot make money, children are affected if the matter is sick, self-esteem becomes low. Don’t be shy to take medication that’s where confidence starts,” said Rukawu.
EWSET director, Florence Guzha said a number of women are expected to benefit as the aim of the initiative is expected to give economic emancipation to struggling mothers.