BRITAIN’S ambassador to Zimbabwe Debora Bronnert yesterday presented sewing equipment, weaving looms, materials and accessories worth $10 000 to the Bulawayo Home Industries (BHI) located in Mzilikazi suburb.
LINDA CHINOBVA OWN CORRESPONDENT
Speaking at the event, Bronnert said the donation was meant to empower and directly benefit the 120 women who are part of the BHI project that seeks to assist the less privileged women by providing part-time and full-time work in craftwork.
“The equipment that has been handed over to BHI must and will benefit the 120 women who are part of the organisation,” Bronnert said.
“As the British government, it is our priority to support and empower women in Zimbabwe, particularly in the business arena and that is why we have donated the equipment so that the women continue producing materials that will earn them a living.”
Bronnert said it was important to empower women and girls in Zimbabwe because they suffered disproportionately from violence, poverty and lack of control over their economic resources.
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She said through the Department for International Development programme in Zimbabwe, the British government was helping empower women by creating job opportunities for them.
“At the moment the UK government is trying by all means to create jobs for women. It is working on a $22 million Pro-Poor Growth Programme that will provide 21 000 women with access to financial services by 2015 and 86 000 people with economic opportunities,” Bronnert said.
Speaking at the same event, Bulawayo deputy mayor Gift Banda said the donation came at a time they were trying to revive the economy of the city.
Banda said the equipment would result in improved efficiencies and the opening of employment opportunities for women.
“The equipment comes at a time when we are trying to revive the city’s economy.
“The introduction of new equipment will result in the weaving being made easier and quicker while opening employment opportunities for women. The participants of the project will be able to earn a living and improve their livelihoods,” Banda said.
