The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
WOMEN in Manicaland have been urged to venture into business and take advantage of opportunities available in the province.
The call was made by local businesswoman, Ms Sue Peters during The Manica Post Ladies Summer School held last week on Friday.
The event was held under the theme ‘You’re Royalty’.
Giving her keynote address at the event held at her boutique hotel, Murambi East Villa and Spa, Ms Peters said women should not be afraid to open their own businesses and contribute to the country’s economic development.
Ms Peters owns various businesses across Zimbabwe, including Ebony Hair saloons, a gym and shopping malls, among other properties.
Caroline Marufu-Buwu
“Manicaland has a lot of potential for business growth, especially in the agriculture, tourism, mining and manufacturing sectors. As local women, we should take advantage of that.
“You should feel challenged to tap into these sectors and create value-added products that could compete locally and internationally. Despite all the challenges that you might face, build a survival kit for yourself that will help you prosper in your business endeavours,” she said.
Ms Peters said growing up in Sakubva, she had to build a survival kit after venturing into modelling, something that later enabled her to become a business woman.
“They labelled me a sex worker, but that did not deter me from pursuing my goals. I knew what I wanted and where I wanted to be. Being labelled did not bother me and it should not deter you either.
“Run your own race, do not desire to be understood by anybody. Be yourself and do not mind what anybody else is saying behind your back.
“Above all, be humble and have humility,” she said.
“Do not wait to get fired for you to start a business. Network with people and start from the bottom. Take advantage of platforms such as this one to connect. The Manica Post has availed this platform, your take home should be the connections you would have made here and how they will help you,” said Ms Peters.
She also said women are the backbone of the society and the economy, adding that they deserve recognition and support from all stakeholders.
The programme coordinator, who is also The Manica Post Editor, Mrs Wendy Nyakurerwa-Matinde said the event, which is held annually, seeks to empower women through a series of seminars focusing on personal development, understanding the country’s laws, as well as health and wellness.
She said the core mandate of the event is to bring together women from all walks of life and equip them with knowledge that will enable them to achieve their full potential.
She emphasized the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement.
“As a family newspaper, The Manica Post is a responsible corporate citizen that is playing its part in ensuring that women have all the information they need to take care of their health and build their businesses, big or small.
“We encourage women to go for whatever they want. If it is a business they want, they have to get up and start it as there is no room for cry-babies at the top,” said Mrs Nyakurerwa-Matinde
Another speaker, Mrs Angela Ndedzu from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) spoke about the importance of retirement plans.
She said women should not neglect their future financial security.
Mrs Ndedzu also shared some tips and advice on how to plan for retirement effectively and efficiently.
“There is need for all workers, including women, to plan ahead and save for their retirement,” she said.
To add flavour to the already fully baked seminar, legal practitioner, Ms Rumbidzai Newengo led an interactive discussion on inheritance and property rights.
“It is important for women to be aware of the laws that govern inheritance and property rights in Zimbabwe, and to seek legal advice if they face any challenges or disputes.
She also spoke about the importance of leaving a will.
Mrs Marufu-Buwu, who was crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 2007, delivered a captivating presentation on grooming and deportment as she shared tips on how to enhance one’s personal and professional image.
