Staff writer
OLD MUTUAL Zimbabwe says it is working on training over 700 women and girls on financial literacy fundamentals this week in the second largest city as part of its community empowerment drive.
Speaking at a celebration of Women’s Month held in Bulawayo, Wednesday, Old Mutual and Cabs regional manager for southern region Crispen Nemunyadzo said their aim was to impact communities across the country.
“We have used the programme for more than eight years in Zimbabwe to impact communities across the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe. We have been to churches, companies, schools, sports groups etc. Our partnership with girls and women and financial inclusion.
“Women and girls have the power to change communities given the right skills. We expect to train over 700 women and girls this week,” Nemunyadzo said.
He said Old Mutual has been involved in financial education initiatives for a number of years.
“We have used the analogue on the money programme which uses the examples from the behaviour of the Big 5 animals to teach key financial literacy fundamentals such as budgeting, savings, planning, debt management and investments.”
Nemunyadzo further noted that in their programme which is for free of charge they have partnered over the years with Girls In STEM Trust to be able to reach young women and girls in Bulawayo.
In her address executive director of Girls In STEM Trust – Victoria Nxumalo said she believed in collaborative initiatives that not only empower but educate women and girls to become the best versions of themselves.
“As we celebrate Women’s Month this year, our focus is on breaking the bias, but also on reflecting on just how financially literate we are,” Nxumalo said.
Girls In STEM Trust is an education non-profit organisation that concerns itself with issues that affect women and girls but most importantly, their interactions with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Meanwhile, speaking at the same event, Priscilla Chibelu who was representing the Provincial Education Director hailed the initiative.
“Financial literacy programme for women and girls is an important step towards achieving gender equality and economic empowerment. By increasing financial literacy among women and girls, we can help break down the barriers that prevent them achieving their financial goals and contribute to a more equitable and just society,” Chibelu said.
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