Bulawayo Young Women Gain Financial Skills Through Girls In STEM Trust Programme

Over the past five years, more than 4 000 young women and girls in Bulawayo have benefitted from a financial literacy initiative aimed at equipping them with essential money management and entrepreneurship skills. The programme, implemented by Girls In STEM Trust in partnership with Old Mutual Zimbabwe, has focused on practical lessons in budgeting, saving, investing, and making informed financial decisions. By targeting students from high schools, colleges, and universities, the initiative ensures that participants gain knowledge applicable both during their studies and in everyday life. This structured approach positions young women to become financially independent, responsible, and capable of contributing meaningfully to their families and communities. The programme has grown steadily, demonstrating the impact of combining education with practical financial empowerment.

Acting Permanent Secretary for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ms Boetsoarelo Noko, emphasized that financial literacy is critical for empowering young women and fostering self-reliance. She noted that each participant acts as a multiplier of knowledge, sharing lessons on financial responsibility with peers, families, and local communities. “Over the past five years, this partnership has provided financial literacy training to more than 4 000 young women, teaching them the critical skills of budgeting, saving, investing, and making informed financial choices. These are not just lessons on money — they are lessons in independence, responsibility, and self-reliance,” she said. Ms Noko highlighted that the initiative transcends statistics, framing it as an investment in the development of future leaders who will shape Zimbabwe’s social and economic landscape.

The programme aligns closely with national development priorities, including the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, by promoting inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and human capital development. By pairing financial literacy with STEM education, the initiative equips young women with both technical expertise and economic acumen. Ms Noko noted that the initiative creates a generation of economically active, financially independent young women capable of contributing to national development. Bulawayo provincial education director Mr Bernard Mazambani also stressed the importance of practical financial skills, saying that they complement academic learning and prepare students to navigate life beyond the classroom. Financial literacy ensures that young women are ready to support families, engage in communities, and participate fully in the economy.

Girls In STEM Trust executive director Ms Victoria Nxumalo highlighted the steady growth of the On the Money Financial Literacy Programme since its inception. She noted that the partnership with Old Mutual Zimbabwe has allowed the programme to reach over 4 000 participants, with the goal of expanding its reach further. “Our journey with Old Mutual started five years ago with the On The Money Financial Literacy Programme and has grown from strength to strength. We are pleased to have trained over 4 000 young women over the last five years. We look forward to growing that number further,” she said. Old Mutual Finance southern region manager Mr Sipho Moyo emphasized the importance of building confidence in young women to make informed financial decisions, highlighting the ongoing collaboration with Girls In STEM Trust as a key factor in empowering the girl child.

The latest edition of the programme, held at the end of March, reached approximately 1 500 young women from schools, colleges, and universities across Zimbabwe. Participants gained hands-on experience in managing finances, understanding investments, and developing entrepreneurial skills, equipping them with tools to make sound financial decisions in both personal and professional contexts. The programme’s success demonstrates how targeted interventions can create long-term impact by fostering financial independence and empowering young women to take control of their futures. Through continued collaboration and expansion, the initiative promises to strengthen economic participation among women and contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development.