Business Reporter
Zhanna Kan, founder of BeWoman Asia, has committed to improving the lives of women in Zimbabwe through inter-regional collaborations aimed at sharing vital empowerment knowledge and skills.
Despite recent progress in financial inclusion, women in Zimbabwe face significant economic challenges. These challenges are compounded by patriarchal norms, limited access to formal financing, and overrepresentation in the informal sector.
Key issues include a lack of collateral for loans, the economic impact of gender-based violence, and heavy reliance on subsistence agriculture, with 70% of rural women working land owned by men.
Speaking to the media during the Women Empowerment Funding & Investment Conference 2026, Kan highlighted that the struggles women face are strikingly similar across continents.
“Through the discussions at this conference, I’ve realized that even though I come from Asia, where economic conditions may differ, the central need to empower women remains the same across regions,” Kan stated. “There are many opportunities for collaboration between women from Central Asia and Zimbabwe. We have a strong talent pool, which makes cooperation promising.”
Kan emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, advocating for a tripartite system that brings together government, women, and the private sector to address common challenges and leverage opportunities for growth.
The prominent entrepreneur in Kazakhstan’s jewelry and fashion sectors, as well as a representative of the luxury Italian brand La Perla, has also made significant philanthropic strides in Central Asia. She is the founder of several networking initiatives, including the Alto Networking Club for business leaders and the Senior Club for individuals aged 60+.
The Women Empowerment and Funding Investment Conference was organized by Zimbabwean businesswoman and philanthropist Joanna Sharpe, in partnership with reputable organizations such as the COMESA Federation of Women and Business (COMFB), EWE, and Sacco Credit Union.
Dr. Edna Mukurazhizha, a seasoned business leader and financial inclusion advocate who chairs the COMFB Zimbabwe Chapter, reflected on the ongoing barriers women face in accessing finance. “Women continue to experience exclusion, particularly when it comes to securing loans. Many do not have the necessary support to navigate these challenges,” she said.
Dr. Mukurazhizha also emphasized the importance of formalizing businesses to ensure sustainability. “When women start businesses, it’s crucial that they follow legal processes—register their businesses, understand their vision, and set clear goals for the future,” she advised. As discussions at the conference unfolded, it became evident that empowering women to overcome systemic barriers and develop sustainable businesses will require ongoing collaboration across sectors, both locally and globally
