Matabeleland South women receive 5 000 Sasso chicks

IN a bid to empower women and bolster their role in economic development, 5 000 Sasso chicks were last week distributed to women in Matabeleland South by the Zanu-PF Women’s League.

This initiative, aimed at enhancing women’s participation in attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, saw chicks being handed over to all 12 constituencies in the province.

The handover ceremony, held in Umzingwane District, was officiated by Zanu-PF Women’s League secretary for production, Cde Maidei Mpala, who represented the party’s women’s league secretary, Cde Mabel Chinomona.

Speaking at the event, Cde Mpala revealed that President Mnangagwa had initiated the empowerment programme, which provided 50 000 chicks to women across the country, divided among the 10 provinces.

“We received 50 000 chicks from President Mnangagwa, and we started by training women on how to care for the chickens.

“Women received training from the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services, and the chicks were divided — 5 000 per province,” said Cde Mpala. She further stated that Matabeleland South was the last province to receive its allocation.

Cde Mpala said the project is a pass-on initiative, with Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services officers, alongside trained women from various wards, overseeing the process to ensure its success.

“We want every yard where there is a woman to have chickens, which will not only provide food but also boost family income,” she said.

The initiative also enables women to sell eggs, further contributing to their financial independence.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairperson, Cde Sindisiwe Nleya, highlighted the significant impact the poultry project would have on rural women, enabling them to support their families, including paying school fees.

“This is part of the empowerment drive by President Mnangagwa, through Cde Chinomona, to ensure women in different communities are uplifted,” said Cde Nleya.

Women empowerment remains a key pillar of Vision 2030, with the President introducing various initiatives, including skills development and capacity-building programmes, to ensure women play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economic growth. —chronilce