The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Hon. Tino Machakaire, has challenged young women to take bold action and seize economic opportunities, saying Government’s role is to create an enabling environment, not every job.
Addressing the Young Women for Economic Development (YWED) 2nd Business Convention in Harare , Minister Machakaire said empowerment requires partnership between Government and young entrepreneurs.
“Government cannot create every job. Our responsibility is to create the enabling environment for entrepreneurs, businesses and innovators to create sustainable employment,” he said.
The Minister outlined Government’s role and the responsibility of young people:
“Government can open the door, but you must walk through it.
Government can provide training, but you must apply the skills.
Government can facilitate financing, but you must build the enterprise.
Government can create opportunities, but you must seize them.”
He urged the young women gathered not to wait for permission to succeed.
“Start where you are , Use what you have , Build your skills , Protect your reputation , Be disciplined , Work hard , Innovate , And never be ashamed to start small,” Hon. Machakaire said.
The Minister emphasized the importance of solidarity among women in business.
“As you rise, lift another woman . When you succeed, create opportunities for others. When you acquire knowledge, share it , And when you reach the top, do not remove the ladder , extend it to the next young woman coming behind you,” he said.
Hon. Machakaire reaffirmed Government’s commitment under the Second Republic to expanding support systems for youth and women.
The YWED 2nd Business Convention brought together hundreds of young women entrepreneurs to network, share ideas and explore funding and market opportunities.
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