First Lady says women and children are central to resilient society

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi (left), on behalf of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa addresses delegates, on the occasion of the Kingdom of Lesotho side event on ‘Safer World for All is Possible’ at the United Nations in New York yesterday. In attendance were Her Majesty Queen of Kingdom of Lesotho Masenate Mohato Seeiso, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and other First Ladies. - Picture: Tawanda Mudimu

First Lady says women and children are central to resilient society

Victoria Ruzvidzo in NEW YORK, United States

First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has said women and children are central to building resilient societies and should thus be empowered to secure a future where peace and dignity become reality.

In a speech read on her behalf by the Minister of Environment and Tourism Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly here on Tuesday, the First Lady said the Government prioritised gender equality, access to good quality education, healthcare and the protection of human rights.

She said through her office, Zimbabwe had made strides in empowering women and girls. Her office had initiated programmes aimed at empowering women socially, economically and politically.

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“Through the Angel of Hope Foundation which I founded to support underprivileged communities, we are spearheading numerous projects, including women’s entrepreneurship training, maternal health support, and programmes to combat child marriages.

“By equipping women and girls with skills and opportunities, we are helping them break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“I started by introducing a toll free line 575 to open a pathway for any gender based violence which is a threat to peace in homes and the nation,” she said.

Held under the theme: “A Safer World is Possible: investing in Women, Children and Other Vulnerable Groups, and Establishing Partnerships that Galvanise Innovation and Action for Peace and Dignity”, the meeting was also attended by Duke of Sussex Prince Harry, Botswana First Lady Mrs Jane Masisi, and the First Lady of Finland, Mrs Suzanne Elizabeth Innes-Stubb.

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It was convened by Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho.

Dr Mnangagwa said she had implemented such projects as the Nharirire yeMusha Programme which focused on rebuilding families by addressing social issues that women face, particularly in rural areas.

The initiative emphasised family health nutrition and income generation, ensuring that women and their families were well-supported to thrive.

“Additionally we are working with traditional leaders and religious institutions to raise awareness about the harmful effects of gender-based violence and discriminatory practices that affect women and girls.”

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Nhanga/Gota was another initiative meant to teach young boys and girls about life skills.

The First Lady implored the globe to harness the power of partnerships, saying no single country or community could do it alone.

She acknowledged UN agencies such as UNDP and UNICEF for fostering collaborations.

Prince Harry lamented social circumstances such as gender-based violence that continued to affect progress in Lesotho and other African countries.

“Safe spaces are needed for women and girls to share experiences.

“Not just women but everyone must speak against social ills such as gender based violence. Every child must be given an opportunity to succeed,” he said. – Herald