Financial Inclusion strategy a key to economic growth, RBZ Deputy Governor By Angeline Zimbwani Mikiri..WEDO Country Ambassador

‘In as much as Zimbabwe has PHD holders and learned people in various spheres of influence, there is much to be done in as far as financial inclusion is concerned. The financial inclusion has a big pillar.’ This was said by The RBZ Deputy Governor Dr Jesmin Chipika who was the Guest of honor at the International Women’s Day Business Breakfast in Masvingo town on the 8th of March. The day also marks the International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is Gender Equality today for a Sustainable tomorrow, Break the Bias. Other speakers on the day were City of Masvingo Town Clerk Eng Edward Mukaratirwa, CEO Empower bank Mr Shadreck Mhembere, Ntombizodwa Hellena, The Branch Manager Women’s bank. The event was organized by Women’s Entrepreneurship Day organization in partnership with The City of Masvingo. ‘We were not taught about money when we were growing up and it is critical to take up lessons on financial inclusion. Gone are the days when we were waiting on foreign direct investments, as Zimbabwean let us build our own economy.It is imperative for women to be included in the economic development process of the nation because it is women who have built homes and families." She further highlighted that "at this point in time we cannot talk of development of a country if 52percent of the population is still not empowered. Foreign direct investments are good but let’s create our own economy." ’ Dr Chipika went on to urge women to formalize their businesses so as to bid for huge tenders “It’s not business as usual. Let’s graduate into big businesses. You can’t get into massive projects if you are not registered with relevant authorities. Our people were not taught financial inclusion. We are financial illiterate.’ I urge you all to embrace the financial Inclusion strategy." The City of Masvingo Town Clerk Eng. Edward Mukaratirwa emphasized a critical element to empower women, ‘If we empower more women this nation will grow. Huge expansion of the city is taking place hence ladies should submit proposals so that you they are not left out on tenders. Women into property development kindly consider this. We need you to bigger issues. We want seriousness. Women need to be propelled. The concept of the smart cities and residential developments that are coming up must be seriously taken into account.’ He added ‘Women should register their companies. Investment opportunities like truck stores to be built in the City and we encourage women to take up these opportunities. He urged women to consults where necessary so that they will not fall short. Let’s build sustainable structures. We will continue supporting women that have the interest in venturing in big projects and investing in the City." Eng Mukaratirwa commended WEDO on efforts to support women, and he highlighted that the council is ready to collaborate with them on more issues to do with women empowerment. Ntombizodwa Hellena the Women’s bank branch head encouraged women to make use of the micro finance Bank because it is a bank specifically for women and tailor made to suit the needs of women hence women must utilize the bank Empower bank Chief Executive Officer Mr. Shadreck Mhembere highlighted that women can come to Empower bank to access loans. Empower bank is offering a starter pack to finance your viable project. He highlighted that empowering women brings sustenance to the economy. Security is not much of a priority. ‘We consider the viability and bankability of the project much then we can finance your project. At Empower Bank 50 percent of our loan money is channeled towards women. Empower bank is also responsible for training and capacity building of entrepreneurs. The event was attended by various stakeholders In the Province of Masvingo. Notable organizations that were present were, Masvingo Polytechnic College, Telone,Nyaradzo Group, City of Masvingo, Empower bank, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Masvingo General Hospital, Amourshield Security, The Legal fraternity Shekinah Media,Eben Hardware. LEC Biotec, The WEDO advisory Board, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of local Government,Ministry of Lands, The President’s Office,WEDO Harare and women entrepreneurs in various sectors Special tribute goes to The Great Zimbabwe Realtors for sponsoring the event WEDO works globally to empower women and girls to become active participants in the economy by igniting a network of women leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to initiate startups, drive economic expansion and advance communities around the world in order to achieve this ambitious goal. WEDO builds and catalyzes the network of likeminded individuals and organizations that women leaders need to realize their full potential and change the world. Through our movement we have grown to be celebrated 144 countries and 110 universities. We convene business leaders, Government officials and civil society to collaborate and find solutions in critical areas of entrepreneurship ecosystems, education and policy implementation to empower women in business.