GWANDA – Hand in Hand Zimbabwe recently partnered with other civic organisations and various government stakeholders to host the International Women’s Day Commemoration at Progressive garden in Ward 14, Gwanda district.

The event was supported by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) under the Horticulture Value Addition and Women Economic Empowerment Project (HOVAWEEP) which they are jointly implementing with Hand in Hand Zimbabwe.

In a speech read on behalf of the District Development Coordinator Mr T Moyo by Sthokozisiwe Nyathi an Accountant in his office, Moyo said it is important to celebrate the immense contribution women have made and continue to make in all aspects of their lives.

“It is indeed befitting that we take time to recognise women’s achievements as they contribute to the development of the country.”

He further encouraged female entrepreneurs at the event to embrace digitalisation and move with the times in their line of work.

The commemorations, which ran under the theme DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality was well attended by representatives from Civic society Organisations (CSOs), Government line ministry officials, staff from Forestry Commission, local leaders, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), entrepreneurs supported by Hand in Hand Zimbabwe, community members and school children.

In her speech, the Hand in Hand Zimbabwe Business Development Manager (BDM) Unami Dube said the International Women’s Day theme resonated well with the great strides entrepreneurs that are supported by the organisation have made in terms of digitalisation.

“Hand in Hand Zimbabwe has incorporated digitalisation in its interventions through encouraging its female entrepreneurs to use digital platforms to share information and market their products

“This has proven to be successfully as some entrepreneurs have secured huge markets on these platforms.

“I can confidently say indeed digital technology is opening new doors for the global empowerment of women, girls and other marginalized groups,” she said.

It was a hive of activity as entrepreneurs showcased their products and school children entertained the crowd through poetry, dance and songs. Of noteworthy, women who were in celebratory mode danced and ululated throughout the commemoration.

Mandlela Dube, a member of Progressive garden said she was not only celebrating the International Women’s Day but the financial freedom she now has as a result of the economic empowerment she received from Hand in Hand Zimbabwe.

Hand in Hand Zimbabwe has for the past eight (8) years supported 80 percent of disadvantaged women and young girls in its seven districts of operation through its poverty alleviation interventions which have in turn aided in.