STATEMENT BY THE RT HON PRIME MINISTER
DR B.SIBUSISO DLAMINI
DURING THE COURTESY CALL BY THE ZAMBIAN DELEGATION ON WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES
AT THE CABINET OFFICES
THURSDAY 20 AUGUST 2015
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister
Distinguished Visitors from the Zambian Government
Honourable Chiefs
Representatives of Women and Youth Entrepreneurs
May I first of all welcome the Zambian delegation to my Offices and, indeed, to the Kingdom of Swaziland. It is a great honour to host you in your visit to the Kingdom and I trust that your visit so far has been both informative and productive.
Women in enterprise are words that are very much on the lips of all in Government whether the subject is economic growth or gender equality and access to resources. Our women are great producers and it is essential that they be given a prominent place in the forefront of the Nation’s drive for faster economic growth, the creation of more sustainable livelihoods and the reduction of poverty. Historically they have faced difficulties of access to, and ownership and control of resources.
As fellow member states within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), we are aware of the importance of Article 15-19 of the SADC Gender and Development Protocol which provides for productive resources, employment and economic empowerment for women. In fact, our National Gender Policy has a specific thematic area on poverty and empowerment of women, with the emphasis on access to and control of productive resources.
I have to say that it is enormously encouraging that you have taken the initiative to visit our country to exchange ideas on the economic empowerment of women. Having seen your schedule of visits I am sure you will have learned a great deal about women in enterprise in Swaziland, especially in agriculture, and your presence at the various locations will undoubtedly prove inspirational to your hosts.
In Swaziland we are much encouraged by the support we receive from our chiefs in the allocation of national land for agricultural activities and ensuring that women are adequately provided for in those activities. Our National Constitution does guarantee the rights of women to land for agricultural purposes. Indeed, our chiefs have a significant role to play in the area of agricultural activity and there is evidence of leading by example in demonstrating excellent maize yields on their own account.
Access to business opportunities, technical skills and the marketplace, beyond the immediate community, are solutions that are prioritized by the respective Ministry as well as being included in our recently revised Investor Roadmap and National Development Strategy. Access to credit is similarly challenging and the establishment of the Micro-Finance Unit under our Ministry of Finance will go some way towards addressing that. Government also carries the hope that our banking sector can focus increasingly on the quality of business plans rather than always expecting an adequate amount of collateral for loan financing. Swazi women have initiated a number of credit facilities through the establishment of Imbita Women’s Finance Trust, Lutsango LwaKaNgwane Savings and Credit Associations, as well as the Swaziland Women Economic Empowerment Trust (SWEET). I understand that you will be visiting SWEET this afternoon. It is a key women’s empowerment programme, established and inspired by Her Majesty the Queen Mother and Indlovukazi.
I would also like to commend the inclusion of the youth as part of the delegation. The youth are hugely important within our society. They are the future of our country and our economy and need to be actively participating in all development activities. We are now focusing energetically on developing a stronger entrepreneurial culture, and providing more opportunities and support for youth in enterprise as a vital strand in reduction of poverty.
The Kingdom of Swaziland is also a member of the Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) whose Secretariat is based in Zambia. COMESA also provides a good regional economic environment for member countries to promote regional trade. It also encourages member states to implement regional trade agreements through South – South trade. Government appreciates greatly the funding from COMESA that has recently been granted to implement inter-alia, gender equality and women’s empowerment activities through FEMCOM – Swaziland Chapter.
It remains for me to thank you all for visiting me this morning and I wish you all a very enjoyable time in the Kingdom and a safe journey home.
Thank you.