Old Mutual partners AFM to empower women through financial literacy
STAFF WRITER
Old Mutual Zimbabwe had the honour of delivering a financial literacy presentation through its renowned On The Money program at the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe Church, in Masvingo.
This initiative was part of the church’s annual Widows and Single Mothers Conference, which attracted over 15,000 women.
As Zimbabwe’s leading financial education brand, Old Mutual Zimbabwe has been leveraging its On The Money Financial Education program to foster lasting partnerships with institutions such as churches and women’s groups. These collaborations aim to drive economic transformation and financial inclusion for all.
Lillian Mbayiwa, Group Head of Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability for Group Marketing at Old Mutual Zimbabwe, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
“We are honoured to begin the year with this meaningful collaboration with AFM Church. Zimbabwe is predominantly a Christian nation, and churches bring together people from diverse backgrounds, including stay-at-home mothers, working professionals, and business owners. By engaging with these women, we are helping to bridge the financial education gap and empower them to take charge of their financial futures.”
Mbayiwa underscored the long-standing lack of financial education in Zimbabwe, emphasizing its impact on households and communities:
“Historically, financial education has not been prioritized in families and schools, leaving many Zimbabweans without the necessary knowledge to manage their finances effectively. Discussions about budgeting, saving, and investing are often avoided, even between parents and children. Through On The Money, we address these gaps with simple, practical, and easy-to-apply financial principles.”
She further highlighted the importance of financial literacy in maintaining family harmony, stating:
“Financial challenges are one of the leading causes of stress and conflicts in families. By teaching financial literacy, we are not only strengthening household financial stability but also complementing the spiritual guidance provided by the church. Our goal is to ensure that financial wellness becomes an integral part of people’s lives, just as spiritual wellness is.”
AFM’s Widows and Single Mothers Outreach (WISMO) department was established in 1997 in Harare by Rev. T.I. Murefu. Led by Amai Cathrine Madawo, the department is dedicated to uplifting widows and single mothers by encouraging self-sufficiency and active participation in church projects.
Speaking at the event, an AFM representative, acknowledged the significance of the partnership:
“The financial literacy session was a game-changer for many women attending this conference. As a church, we focus on holistic empowerment—spiritual, emotional, and economic. We are grateful to Old Mutual for equipping our women with the knowledge and tools to improve their financial well-being.”
On The Money is Old Mutual Zimbabwe’s flagship financial education initiative designed to teach Zimbabweans how to manage their finances effectively. The program is uniquely structured around the behaviors of Africa’s Big Five animals—Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo—distilling their characteristics into essential financial management lessons.
Key takeaways from the program include understanding the importance of financial behavior changes, breaking old habits that hinder financial stability, and developing new, healthy financial habits.
This collaboration with AFM Church marks a significant step towards empowering Zimbabwean women with the financial knowledge they need to build secure futures for themselves and their families.
