Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE UN Women’s safe market project, designed to provide a secure environment for children accompanying their mothers in marketplaces, charmed the organisation’s executive board during a recent field visit to Zimbabwe.
The board was impressed by the project’s innovative approach to safeguarding children while empowering women through economic opportunities.
The safe markets have children’s learning areas and play centres to ensure their safety and care as their mothers are conducting businesses at the market.
The safe market project primarily aim to provide a secure environment for women entrepreneurs, protecting them from harassment and intimidation by men, while also promoting their economic empowerment and independence.
By creating safe spaces for women to conduct their businesses, the project helps to foster a more equitable and supportive marketplace.
The board’s visit to safe markets in Epworth, Harare and Umzingwane in Bulawayo revealed the thriving informal businesses run by women in these safe marketplaces.
President of the UN-Women executive board Nicola Clase said: “When we spoke with the women, they pointed out that there was a big change, also being protected from the sun and rain.
“But a very important factor was having a safe environment for children. So we know that even for the very young ones, there were possibilities to make sure that they could be present, that there was someone to look after them safely, but also for a little older children.
“So there were many, many things that we noted. But we also noted the entrepreneurship of these women and that the women we met were very impressive.”
During the visit, the board members also engaged with women’s civil society organisations and the private sector, who raised concern about the quality of education for girls.
Stakeholders highlighted the need for continued support and investment in this critical area.
“I would say that one issue, a recurring theme throughout our visit, which I think is relevant for many countries, is quality education for girls. And that came up in many discussions. And I think to empower women, make sure that they get proper education,” Clase said.
“I also think the Beijing Plus 30 national report that was publicised in this country very much did pick up on the need for increased investments in education, very much focusing on gender gaps, not least in tertiary education, where it was clear to us that girls were not as well represented as boys.
“So I would say that quality education, but once again, it’s something that many countries are challenged with. But if there’s one thing that can make a great change in many countries, it’s for girls to get quality education.”
The UN Women in Zimbabwe supports various projects to end gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe Follow Africa-Press
