ZANU PF First Secretary and President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended the Women’s League for resolutely defending and mobilising for the Party despite hardships brought about by illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the USA and European Union.Addressing the ZANU PF Women’s League second National Assembly meeting, President Mnangagwa described the wing as "the heart and soul of the Party".The President also applauded efforts by the Women’s League to empower members through self help projects. He said both the Party and Government will continue to support programmes that uplift the livelihoods of women and youths."The Women in the Party are nuts- and- bolts that keep the Party together. They are the mobilising machinery that ensures the Party keeps on growing in numbers and the heart and soul of the Party that makes it continue functioning in a humane way.Cognisant of this and immense capabilities both the Party and Government will not only promote the economic empowerment of women, but we will address deep rooted disparities and inequalities with increased attention. We remain committed to facilitating the realisation of 50-50 gender representation in decision making.""Our country continues to suffer under the illegal economic sanctions imposed on us by our detractors. These have resulted in untold hardships to our population with women and children being the most vulnerable. Allow me to commend the endurance, perseverance, and resilience demonstrated by the women of Zimbabwe and the Women’s League in particular during this period of economic transition. You are indeed an integral pillar in our Party and nation". Said President MnangagwaThe Women's League has constructed over 3000 Dutch ovens across the country in a bid to empower members and cushion them against unjustified rising costs of confectionary products such as bread.President Mnangagwa encouraged the League's leadership to always put the interests of the people first as this was in keeping with the character of the revolutionary Party."The people should always come first in all that we do. We are a People’s Party, a listening Party which serves the People whole heartedly through servant leaders and let us never lose this rich tradition and character of our Party".The President urged members of the Women’s League to be vigilant of infiltration by outsiders who are determined to destroy the Party.Turning to issues presented to him by the National and Provincial leadership of the Women’s League, President Mnangagwa said Government had procured sufficient grain and no citizen would go hungry.He said Government will pursue a cheap food policy to ensure basic commodities are available at affordable prices for the ordinary consumer.The President also promised to engage the Ministers of Agriculture and Local Government so that they appoint a Women representative to the land allocation committee. The Women’s league assembly meeting was attended by several Politburo member and Cabinet Ministers.