The Women's League has officially launched the Rural Enterprise Scheme, an initiative designed to empower women in rural communities through micro-financing, skills training, and market access programmes.

The first cohort of 2,500 beneficiaries drawn from Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, and Manicaland provinces received their start-up kits at a colourful ceremony in Bindura on Friday.

The scheme targets women aged 18-60 and focuses on sectors such as poultry, horticulture, tailoring, and small-scale manufacturing. Each beneficiary receives US$500 in start-up capital alongside a six-month mentorship programme.

League Secretary Comrade Sarudzai Chigumba said the initiative would be expanded to cover all provinces by the end of the year.