WOMEN entrepreneurs have been encouraged to sharpen their business acumen and leverage networking platforms to enhance their participation in key economic sectors.
This call was made during the Ladies in Business Seminar, an annual event which was held in Bulawayo this Saturday, which brought together a diverse group of women from various industries to explore opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
The seminar, which continues to draw increased participation from emerging and established female entrepreneurs, has become a vital platform for measuring the progression of women in business and their contribution to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.
Participants shared insights on how women can successfully run businesses without necessarily owning significant assets or capital, highlighting the importance of creativity, resilience, and leveraging available opportunities.
“You do not need to own property to run a successful business, you can manage on behalf of someone else. Women do not always need significant capital to start businesses. Homemakers can use their natural hospitality to build thriving ventures,” a participant said.
Others emphasised the empowerment potential of addressing market gaps, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and accommodation.
“There are many opportunities, but a persistent shortage of suitable accommodation. Empowering women in these sectors is essential for self-reliance, economic growth, and financial inclusion,” a lady said.
“This seminar allows me to network within the farming industry. Agriculture is broad it involves inputs, outputs, logistics, and marketing. Events like these help us connect and scale up,” ”another woman participant said.
Ms Thubelihle Ndlovu, Managing Director of Purse on Point, the organisation behind the initiative, underscored the value of collective learning and strategic partnerships in promoting financial literacy among women.
“We have over 3 000 women on our platforms, where we train them on how to save, invest, and budget. Our focus is on helping low-income women adopt smart investment strategies to improve their quality of life. We use public-private partnerships to achieve these goals,” she said.
The seminar aligns with broader government efforts to empower women through supportive policies and incentives aimed at increasing female participation in economic development.
As women continue to play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, platforms such as the Ladies in Business Seminar remain instrumental in equipping them with the tools and networks needed to thrive.
