Economy-Zimbabwe - Women play a leading role in generating new wealth and their empowerment must be less about running poultry or sewing projects, but must focus on clearing the obstacles that exclude them from participating in the mainstream economy, US ambassador Charles Ray has said "Empowering women to create new wealth requires a solid foundation that rests on educational opportunities, sound Government policies, and access to financial resources," he said during a public lecture at the Women's University in Africa last week. The event was held to commemorate Women's History Month, celebrated each March in the US.

It was attended by students and representatives from business and civil society organisations.

Ambassador Ray said empowerment should be about what you contribute, adding that: "it is ensuring ownership, capacity building, management, and control of diverse spheres of the economy, including manufacturing, insurance, construction, and transportation.

"Tapping into existing expertise in these fields, harnessing talent, and forming structures that can lobby and access capital are the best ways to create greater participation in the economy."

Deputy chairperson of the WUA board of Trustees Mrs Marah Hativagone said the visit by the US diplomat was part of the empowerment process started by the founders of the university.

She called for more efforts to be channelled towards empowering rural women.

"Women form 51 percent of the population and 47 percent of that number is in the rural areas. As a developing country we need to see more development in the rural areas," said Mrs Hativagone.

The Women's University in Africa is a private institution established in 2002.

It is the brainchild of two visionary women, Dr Fay King Chung, a former minister of education and culture in Zimbabwe, and Dr Hope Sadza, a retired Public Service Commissioner.

The Herald/28/03/2011