By Edward Makuzva
Over 200 participants this Friday, primarily women, gathered in Highfields, Harare, to commemorate Global Money Week and International Women’s Month, observed worldwide in March.
The event featured a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, along with presentations on financial literacy by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and Lenderspark Finance. Attendees also had access to exhibitions, financial services, and loan opportunities.
Additionally, the event included financial inclusion training focused on women and youth, as well as a session on mental health and financial wellness coaching.
The event was organized by Lenderspark in partnership with Pamumvuri, a registered Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) in Zimbabwe that focuses on mental health, substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention, and social entrepreneurship.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Charles Tawengwa, emphasized that the week is more than a celebration of financial literacy but rather a call to action.
Minister Tawengwa urged individuals to reflect on their financial habits, challenge misleading societal norms, and equip themselves with the knowledge and tools needed to build financial resilience.
“In the Highfield community, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are led by women and youth. They are innovators, caregivers, and future leaders”,
“However, they often encounter systemic barriers that restrict their access to financial resources, education, and opportunities. This year’s Global Money Week calls for a re-evaluation of these challenges and the creation of pathways that enable women and youth to thrive.
Furthermore, “The theme “Think Before You Follow” is particularly relevant for women and youth. In a world where social pressures and trends can often dictate financial behavior, it is crucial to pause, reflect, and make decisions that align with our long-term goals. Financial independence begins with the ability to think critically, to resist impulsive decisions, and to plan wisely for the future”, Minister Tawengwa explained.
Tawengwa reaveled that the Global Money Week (GMW) is an annual global celebration aimed at promoting financial literacy, inclusion, and empowerment among individuals, particularly those in underserved communities. There have been various activities around the world between the 17th and 23rd Of March in observance of Global Money Week 2025.
“Lenderspark Finance and other service providers here present have been at the forefront of this mission. Through your microfinance services, financial literacy programs, and mentorship initiatives, you are equipping women and youth with the tools they need to Learn, Save, and Earn. Your work is not just about providing financial resources; it is about transforming mindsets and empowering individuals to take control of their financial destinies.
“This year’s commemoration also invites us to explore the profound connection between financial empowerment and mental health. I am reliably informed that some of the individuals who will be receiving this training today have been successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated after having struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. This is in line with the national drug abuse plan to ensure economic strengthening of our survivors”, said Minister Tawengwa.
Lenderspark Finance General Manager, Bernard Gambe, recognized the challenges many citizens face, particularly women and youth, in overcoming systemic barriers within their communities.
He emphasized the vital link between financial empowerment and mental well-being, highlighting that financial literacy plays a crucial role in recovery and resilience, especially for those struggling with addiction or other social challenges.
“Looking back on our journey, Lenderspark Finance has evolved from a newcomer in the financial sector to a trusted pillar for the financially excluded. We have always believed in the transformative power of financial literacy, and this year’s Global Money Week theme, “Think Before You Follow, Wise Money Tomorrow,” underscores the importance of critical thinking in financial decision-making.
“Today, we come together to address these pressing issues with a proactive mindset. At Lenderspark, we have made it our mission to welcome and empower those who have been underserved.
“We are proud to partner with organizations like Pamumvuri PVO to train and uplift the many SMEs driven by the innovative women and youth of Highfields — the true heartbeat of our society. In doing so, we are not just offering financial resources but also reshaping mindsets and granting individuals ownership of their financial futures.
“We recognize the challenges many in our community face, especially women and youth striving to overcome systemic barriers. This week serves as a powerful reminder that with the right knowledge and tools, they can take control of their financial future and achieve independence”, said Gambe.
Speaking at the event, David Zahwe, Principal Bank Examiner at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), stated that the Zimbabwean government, through the Ministry of Finance, has implemented a national financial inclusion strategy targeting 10 key groups. These include women, youth, MSMEs, smallholder farmers, people with disabilities, the elderly, and pensioners.
He highlighted various financial literacy initiatives, including Global Money Week activities, the establishment of financial literacy thematic working groups, roadshows, community engagements, and the integration of financial education into school curricula. Additionally, schools have been encouraged to visit the Reserve Bank, with RBZ officials also engaging directly with students.
Zahwe emphasized that Global Money Week is an annual financial awareness campaign designed to inspire children and young people to learn about money management, livelihoods, and entrepreneurship. The initiative was launched by Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI) in 2012, and Zimbabwe joined the global celebration in 2015.
He stated that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the national coordinator of the commemorations and has been actively participating in the activities since 2018.
Meanwhile, the 13th edition of the week-long commemorations was held from March 17 to 23, 2025, under the theme: “Think Before You Follow, Wise Money Tomorrow.”