Tinaani Nyabereka
Telecommunications operator Econet Wireless has partnered Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) on a women empowerment drive to alleviate poverty among marginalised groups.
The two entities recently held a women empowerment campaign in Mkoba Ward 17 organized GRRA.
Speaking on the sidelines of the campaign, Econet Gweru Territory Leader, Allen Gororo said as an organisation they had the person aspect value, which they always consider when drafting life-changing initiatives for the vulnerable groups in society.
“We partnered GRRA and ward 17 residents because as an organisation, one of our greatest assets is the person aspect value. We strive to make a difference by empowering communities through awarding opportunities to vulnerable members of the society. We have a number of initiatives and scholarships which we offer to young girls. We have the Joshua Nkomo scholarship that caters for young women who want to continue with their studies, together with the Capernaum Fund for the orphans.
“I would like to encourage women to study technical courses because they are more rewarding, we want women in designing, programming and engineering other than being in commercial jobs only. So as women, I urge you to do more technical courses.
“As an organization, we also employ brand Ambassadors to market our products, these include lines, services among other things and at the end people are paid through commissions,” Gororo said.
GRRA Ward 17 Chairperson, Ignatio Makaza said it was important for women to utilize available land space for horticulture production.
“As Ward 17 structure, we saw it fit to capacitate women so that they adopt self-sustaining initiatives for themselves. We encourage them to venture into cooperatives as we have a piece of land which requires someone to help us ring-fence the area. As such, if we get someone like that we will venture into market- gardening projects,” Makaza said.
Highlighting the role of women in development, Ward 17 Councillor, Catherine Mhondiwa expressed gratitude to GRRA and Econet for helping women realize their strength in stirring social development.
“I am happy for women because instead of us sitting at home, we can now venture into initiatives which help generate income, be it through vending or farming.
“Coming to the issue of scholarships which are being offered by Econet, we would like the community to identify orphans who are failing to further their education so that they can be beneficiaries,” added Mhondiwa.
Ellen Chiware, a resident of Ward 17 however urged young girls in the community to embrace life-changing projects as this would help reduce cases of child marriages and poverty.
The campaign was supported by a sponsored netball and football game as advocacy against drug and substance abuse in Mkoba.
