Women should be resilient to ensure better welfare for their families , Zimbabwe Army Wives and Women Association patron has said.

Speaking during an exhibition of handmade wares by members at Parachute Regiment Inkomo Barracks yesterday, Mrs Mercy Mugove Sibanda urged women to be resilient.

Mrs Sibanda, who is wife to Zimbabwe National Army Commander Valerio Sibanda said: "I am aware that you are facing a number of challenges but do not give up. Keep the fighting spirit so as to achieve your goals and always aim high in whatever you do," she said.

The exhibition comprised of confectionary, clothes and interior décor designs made by the women who comprise serving members and wives of serving members.

The organisation, which was started in 1995 had been dormant due to challenges emanating from the Western imposed sanctions. Yesterday's exhibition was to revamp activities.

Mrs Sibanda said the programme seeks to empower women living in camps as they often found themselves with no income generating project to occupy them when their husbands are away at work.

"We are in the process of re-branding ZWWA since it has been tremendously affected by the economic meltdown of recent years. It means enhanced marketing and raising the level of awareness of our activities," she said.

She said soldiers' wives were important in the efficacy of the army.

"We are the support staff of these men for they cannot go out and perform well unless there is peace and love in the home," she said.

Mrs Sibanda said their organisation was worried about the increase in cases of gender-based violence and said their organisation was working hard to raise awareness among its members.