Theresa Zibowa

MIRROR REPORTER

BEATRICE—Hundreds of Beatrice villagers gathered at Tsunga Primary School last Saturday to commemorate International Rural Women’s Day.

Mashonaland East Minister of State Apolonia Munzverengwi was the guest of honour.

Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Chikomba West legislator, Tatenda Mavetera also graced the ceremony.

The commemoration is held to celebrate rural women for their resilience in taking multi-tasking roles in the community.

The event was run under the theme ‘Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All’. The national celebration was held in Chiredzi.

Munzverengi urged rural women to venture into different projects to equip themselves financially. 

She also urged them to take farming seriously and stand against gender-based violence.

“I urge all of you to venture into different types of business, to access business stands and become your own bosses, access mines and be entrepreneurs and at the same time provide food for your families and augment men’s efforts. I also urge every woman present today to stand up against early child marriages and gender-based violence,” said Munzverengi.

Ward 21 Councillor Honey Mufakwadziya said he was happy with the event.

“We are grateful to the organizers of this event. It empowers women with the knowledge to venture into different projects. It was an eye opener since they had to learn through the testimonies of others who have and are excelling in different projects,” said Mufakwadziya.

Attendees exhibited their products and were given Tsotso stoves to mitigate climate change by minimizing deforestation in their communities.