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Day of the African Child: Eliminating harmful practices affecting children – Progress on policy and practice since 2013
“If you educate a girl, you educate the whole nation” – African Proverb
The Girls in STEM Trust, with the support of Old Mutual Zimbabwe, have been shaping a financially-secure mindset in young women from higher institutions of learning across Bulawayo.
Marking their second year of success partnering together, the duo facilitated a programme in 2020, training more than 150 girls and 415 girls in 2022 during the Global Money Week and Women’s Month commemorations, respectively.
“We are really thrilled that this Girls in STEM educational initiative is being embraced positively by our stakeholders and partners we work with such as the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education who have been supportive in allowing us to reach as many girls as possible this Global Money Week and Women’s Month,” said Mrs. Victoria Nxumalo, Girls in STEM Trust Executive Director.
Guided by the ‘On the Money’ programme, a financial literacy initiative that borrows from the Big 5 animal attributes as they relate to managing finances and wealth creation, the training gives girls a wider and broader perspective on the importance of being financially literate.
“We are glad that girls from higher institutions of learning such as the National University of Science and Technology, Lupane University, and Bulawayo Polytechnic have come on board to be part and parcel of the programme,” she said.
The ‘On The Money’ draws unique characteristics of the Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, and Buffalo to teach best practices on how to manage personal wealth and personal finances.
The initiative by Girls in STEM is purposed to empower girls and young women with financial literacy skills and equip them with sound knowledge of how to manage their finances as they progress in their educational journeys.
“Old Mutual Zimbabwe is all about empowering women from the communities we operate in. We aim to increase their financial autonomy, bargaining power, and self-esteem while reducing their exposure to risks. Going forward, we are honoured to play our part in Doing Great Things Every Day – cultivating women’s livelihoods and nurturing a more impartial and sustainable future for all,” said Lillian Mbayiwa, Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Executive at Old Mutual ZW.
Financial education is a catalyst for youth contributing to economic growth and alleviating poverty. The key learnings from the On the Money programme opened a new dimension of financial awareness and wellness for young women through relatable life lessons on budgeting, saving, keeping records, clearing debts, and planning.
“The goal is for our girls to balance their knowledge of technology together with the knowledge of business which they will achieve through the On the Money programme,” concluded Mrs. Victoria Nxumalo.
For more information contact:
Email: onthemoney@oldmutual.co.zw
Website: www.oldmutual.co.zw
