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AS the world celebrates International Women’s Month, Bulawayo has become a beacon of hope and empowerment, showcasing the transformative impact of women breaking barriers in business.

The city is alive with stories of women who are not only overcoming challenges but also driving economic growth, contributing to their communities and reshaping the socio-economic landscape.

At the heart of this movement, the Isilwane Youth Centre in Bulawayo’s Old Pumula suburb buzzed with energy as women from diverse backgrounds gathered to commemorate Provincial International Women’s Day.

This year’s theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment,” highlighted the significant strides women are making across various sectors.

Bulawayo Provincial Director for Economic Development Mr Simon Saunyama and Ministry of Women Affairs Community Small and Medium Enterprise Provincial Development Officer Bulawayo Province Glory Damba (left) tour the stands during International Women’s Day Commemorations at Isilwane Youth Centre in Pumula.

The event was a celebration of resilience, innovation and determination, with women-led businesses proudly showcasing a range of products from beadwork to cosmetics and detergent production. These women are not just business owners; they are pioneers of change, proving that economic empowerment is not a distant dream, but a present reality.

One such inspiring figure is Anastacia Ncube, a detergent manufacturer who has turned her small-scale operation into a thriving business.

Anastacia’s story is one of self-reliance, starting from humble beginnings by selling dried vegetables and later expanding into manufacturing.

She advocates for innovation and urges women to formalise their businesses to tap into broader markets. Her message is clear: women should start with what they have, be it small or large and build from there.

Similarly, 24-year-old Patience Malunga exemplifies the power of modern technology in skill development. By learning traditional crafts and bead-making techniques through online tutorials, Patience has not only enriched her own life but has contributed to her family’s financial stability.

Her success underscores the importance of embracing new learning methods and shows how young women are using digital platforms to turn their passion into profit.

Supporting these women are organisations like Emthonjeni Women’s Forum and Pumula Arts and Crafts Organisation, which focus on economic justice and skill-building for women. These initiatives teach women how to be self-sufficient, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive. The emphasis on economic independence has become a driving force in the fight against poverty, illiteracy and malnutrition.

Patience exhibits her wares at the International Women’s Day Commemorations at Isilwane Youth Centre in Pumula suburb,

The Government also recognises the pivotal role of women in economic development.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, stressing its role in poverty alleviation and national progress. Further support for aspiring businesswomen is being provided through initiatives such as Mist Corporate Services, which offers guidance on business registration and financial literacy.

As the global push for gender equality continues, Bulawayo is demonstrating that empowering women is not just a moral imperative, but a crucial ingredient for economic growth and social transformation. By fostering an environment of support, education and opportunity, women in Bulawayo are creating a brighter future for themselves and their communities.