A 31-year-old woman of Nalolo District in Western Province has called on the womenfolk to empower themselves by engaging in business ventures.
Wakunyambo Mungongo, from Muoyo area, emphasises that it is time for women to stop relying on men and establish their own businesses.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, Ms Mungongo, who owns a bar and restaurant, described self-empowerment as key to improving women’s livelihoods.
“We must embrace innovation and explore income-generating activities that can sustain ourselves and our families,” she said.
Ms Mungongo revealed that she opened her bar four years ago and recently expanded the business by adding a restaurant at the same location.
“The business is thriving so far. I started with the bar four years ago, and I added the restaurant two weeks ago and it has been doing well,” she said.
Ms Mungongo explained that her decision to open a bar and restaurant was motivated by her ex-husband’s disapproval of her visiting fishing camps to buy fish.
“My husband was uncomfortable with me spending nights at the fishing camps, which led him to prevent me from engaging in the fish business. However, I couldn’t bear to stay at home without doing anything, so I ventured into my current business,” she said.
Ms Mungongo therefore, urged other women to engage in activities that can enable them to make money instead of relying on handouts.
Meanwhile, Nalolo District Commissioner, Namatama Mupo encouraged women to exchange knowledge and improve their livelihoods.
Ms Mupo said women are the ones who take care of their families hence the need to find stable means as a source of livelihood.
And preparations for the upcoming International Women’s Day are progressing well.
Ms Mupo confirmed that preparations have advanced and the women are ready to commemorate their day.
“This year, our aim is to celebrate with all women, providing a platform for sharing ideas and encouraging one another,” she said.
This year’s International Women’s Day will be commemorated under the theme,” Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
