Masvingo City comes alive as community celebrates International Women’s Day

Masvingo wasn’t just observing a date on the calendar today, the city was alive with energy as residents, leaders, and local partners gathered to celebrate the belated International Women’s Day under the theme, ‘Rights, Justice, Action for All Women’.

It was a day dedicated to more than just a march, exhibition and speeches, but real action, from health services to business opportunities.

The event saw a powerful turnout, with Senior and Junior Councillors, Council management, and Alderman Maridza leading the way. Their presence sent a clear message that in Masvingo, women’s development isn’t a side project, it’s at the heart of the community’s progress.

A colossal range of organizations pitched in, including SMEDCO, ZHRC, EBEN Hardware, Zimbabwe Population Services, Media houses, ZPS, SGDZT, ZRP, CBAP, Masvingo Wheel chair tennis, NCPDZ, MUSASA, City Health, Rujeko and Runyararo Primary drummies, ZGC, WCOZ, Zimbabwe Homeless people’s Federation, Bhaso, Masvingo Flora, MWACSMED, Friendship Bench, Emmanuel Homestead, Takeltien, ZIMRA, Old Mutual, CBAP, WEDO Organisation, Stoneworks leather craft.

The day focused heavily on putting tools directly into women’s hands, through business growth. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to step up and take advantage of the City of Masvingo’s affirmative procurement thus 13% of the 2026 budgeted tenders for the City set aside for women, youths and vulnerable groups.

Women were also encouraged to take advantage of free hands-on trainings by the department of Housing and Social Services. The department offers practical workshops in baking and sewing, proving that economic independence often starts with a single skill.

The City Health Department, alongside other NGOs turned the celebration into a hub for wellness. They provided essential HIV and AIDS, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services on-site, ensuring that women have the resources they need to take charge of their own futures.

Leaving no one behind, the event attracted even young primary school going girls. With students from Rujeko and Runyararo Primary Schools watching on and providing entertainment. The event was a bridge between generations. By honoring the achievements of women today, Masvingo is showing its young girls exactly what they are capable of achieving.

As the sun set on the celebrations, the message from the City was clear: Masvingo remains a place where women aren’t just included but are leading the way toward a more resilient and inclusive future.